Baskin-Robbins Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Baskin-Robbins is an ice cream and frozen dessert franchise that offers a wide variety of ice cream flavors and frozen treats, providing a sweet and indulgent experience for ice cream lovers.

Baskin-Robbins, established by Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins in 1945 in Glendale, California, has grown into the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops. Franchising began in 1948, and the company is now based in Canton, Massachusetts, as part of Inspire Brands.

Famous for its "31 flavors" slogan, Baskin-Robbins suggests customers can savor a different flavor every day of the month, solidifying its reputation in the ice cream market.

What sets Baskin-Robbins apart is its extensive array of flavors, having introduced over 1,300 varieties since its start, including options for vegan and non-dairy diets. This focus on diversity, quality, and innovation has ensured its prominent position in the industry.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $25,000
Real Estate Development $123,000 to $267,000
Equipment, Fixtures and Signs $115,000 to $185,000
Restaurant Technology System $15,000 to $29,500
Licenses, Permits, Fees and Deposits $7,000 to $20,000
Opening Inventory $5,000 to $8,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs $9,500 to $28,000
Uniforms $400 to $800
Insurance $3,500 to $8,300
Travel and Living Expenses While Training $1,000 to $15,000
Marketing Start-Up Fee $3,000 to $6,000
Additional Funds for First 3 Months of Operation $0 to $30,000
Total $307,400 to $622,600
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $25,000
Real Estate Development $123,000 to $267,000
Equipment, Fixtures and Signs $115,000 to $185,000
Restaurant Technology System $15,000 to $29,500
Licenses, Permits, Fees and Deposits $7,000 to $20,000
Opening Inventory $5,000 to $8,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs $9,500 to $28,000
Uniforms $400 to $800
Insurance $3,500 to $8,300
Travel and Living Expenses While Training $1,000 to $15,000
Marketing Start-Up Fee $3,000 to $6,000
Additional Funds for First 3 Months of Operation $0 to $30,000
Total $307,400 to $622,600

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training 

Baskin-Robbins offers a thorough training program designed to ensure franchisees are fully equipped to manage their stores efficiently. Here’s an overview of the training process:

For franchisees aiming to own and operate multiple stores, it is mandatory to oversee their network with a team of individuals who have successfully completed the training program.

Franchisees opening or acquiring a Combo Restaurant must fulfill the training requirements for both brands prior to launching the restaurant. It is crucial for franchisees and their restaurant managers to be proficient in English to successfully complete the training program.

The "Brand Training" program is mandatory for franchisees, their management team, and their staff. This includes "The Center," an online training platform that covers brand communications, operational guidelines, equipment programming, and marketing preparedness.

Territory Protection

Franchisees are given the right to operate a single Restaurant at a designated location as specified in the Franchise Agreement (FA) or its exhibits, and this right is limited to that specific location. They will not receive additional rights, a minimum territory, or any other protected rights.

Additionally, franchisees are restricted from distributing products outside of their Restaurant, including through alternative distribution channels. Baskin-Robbins employs alternative distribution channels for its products and trademarks and may expand its product sales on a local, regional, national, or international scale.

Competitors

Below are some of

Baskin-Robbins

key competitors in the

Ice Cream

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

976

New
+
-2%
-2%

$25,000

$307,000

$623,000

n.a.

$521,000

$xxx,xxx

71.5%

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

The Dolly Llama

The Dolly Llama is a dessert franchise offering Belgian waffles, waffle cones, and artisan ice cream, serving families, students, and social media–savvy dessert lovers, and known for over-the-top creations, Instagram-ready presentation, and a fun, modern café environment.

Franchisees

?

3
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$162,000 - $473,000

I Scream Gelato

I Scream Gelato is a gelato-and-dessert franchise offering artisan gelato, sorbets and Italian-style sweets, serving families and dessert fans, and known for handcrafted product, high-quality ingredients and upscale café ambience.

Franchisees

?

1
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$224,000 - $452,000

Tipsy Scoop

Tipsy Scoop is a dessert-bar franchise offering alcohol-infused ice creams and boozy creations in a social lounge setting, serving young adults and nightlife patrons, and known for inventive flavors, trendy atmosphere, and strong franchise growth opportunities.

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$224,000 - $348,000

Yogurtland

Yogurtland is a self-serve frozen-yogurt franchise offering premium flavors, toppings, customization and café environment, serving dessert lovers and families, and known for global reach, brand strength and franchisee-friendly model.

Franchisees

?

194
+
-3%
-3%
Investment

?

$232,000 - $637,000

MILLIE’S HOMEMADE

MILLIE’S HOMEMADE is a bakery-café franchise offering cookies, brownies, desserts and café beverages, serving family-friendly shoppers and gift buyers, and known for made-from-scratch recipes, warm ambiance and scalable franchise design.

Franchisees

?

4
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$65,000 - $485,000

Winchell's Donut House

Winchell's Donut House is a bakery-café franchise offering donuts, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee, serving morning commuters and late-night guests, and known for classic selections, fresh bakes, and neighborhood convenience.

Franchisees

?

105
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$3,000 - $72,000