Ben & Jerry’s has carved out a distinctive niche in the frozen dessert industry by pairing imaginative ice cream with a deeply rooted commitment to social causes. Launched in 1978 by founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield in Burlington, Vermont — where the company is still headquartered — the brand began franchising its Scoop Shops in 1981.
Franchisees are invited to join a business that’s about more than just ice cream. Known for its bold and playful flavors, Ben & Jerry’s also champions a purpose-driven model that promotes fairness and sustainability. The company emphasizes ethical sourcing, supports small-scale farmers, and operates with an eye toward environmental responsibility.
This values-first approach is what sets Ben & Jerry’s apart in a crowded market. Today, with more than 600 Scoop Shops across the globe, the company continues to grow its U.S. franchise network, seeking partners who are passionate about both community engagement and positive change.
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.
Ben & Jerry’s offers 3 types of franchises:
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Ben & Jerry’s franchised Full-Sized Shop. For more information on costs required to start a Ben & Jerry’s franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Ben & Jerry’s offers 3 types of franchises:
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Ben & Jerry’s franchised Full-Sized Shop. For more information on costs required to start a Ben & Jerry’s franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Ben & Jerry’s provides a comprehensive suite of training programs to support its franchisees throughout their journey. These programs include:
Ben & Jerry’s provides a defined territory for each franchisee during the term of the Franchise Agreement. Within this territory, the franchisor agrees not to establish or license any other person to operate a competing Scoop Shop.
This territorial protection is not based on sales or performance metrics but solely on compliance with the Franchise Agreement. However, the franchise does retain certain reserved rights.
Ben & Jerry’s and its affiliates may operate or license businesses outside the assigned territory, including shops under the same or different branding. Moreover, no territory is granted for Satellite Shops, and the franchisor may continue other distribution methods, such as online sales and third-party deliveries, which may reach into any territory.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
All you need to know about this franchise
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Ben & Jerry's
key competitors in the
Ice Cream
sector.
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