Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is an artisan ice-cream franchise offering creatively flavored pints, scoops, and ice cream sandwiches, serving adventurous dessert lovers, and known for premium ingredients, chef-crafted recipes, and scoop shops that feel bright, welcoming, and community-focused.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Franchise fee
?
$40,000
Investment
?
$696,000 - $1,266,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$997,000
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is a premium American ice cream brand known for handcrafted flavors and high-quality ingredients. The company was founded in 2002 by James Beard Award-winning ice cream maker Jeni Britton-Bauer in Columbus, Ohio, where its first scoop shop opened in the historic North Market.
From the beginning, the brand focused on creating ice cream with a uniquely smooth texture and bold, unexpected flavor combinations. This artisanal approach helped Jeni’s stand out in the crowded dessert market.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, and has grown into a nationally recognized brand. The company operates numerous scoop shops across the United States and sells its pints through grocery stores and direct-to-consumer channels.
The company officially began franchising in 2025, opening the door for entrepreneurs to bring the Jeni’s experience to new markets.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams franchise is
$696,000 - $1,266,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance 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
$40,000
Real Estate (3 Months’ Rent)
$18,000 – $60,000
Lease and Utility Security Deposits
$6,000 – $20,000
Architect, Permits, Engineers, and Licenses
$40,000 – $60,000
Leasehold Improvements
$375,000 – $700,000
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment
$70,000 – $134,000
Décor Package
$2,000 – $10,000
Computer System and Technology
$2,000 – $4,000
Tools and Supplies
$12,000 – $16,000
Signage
$10,000 – $30,000
Business Licenses and Permits
$500 – $1,000
Professional Fees
$10,000 – $17,000
Initial Inventory
$20,000 – $26,000
Ongoing Inventory (3 Months)
$52,000 – $87,000
Insurance (3 Months)
$500 – $750
Initial Training Program Expenses
$3,000 – $5,000
Grand Opening Advertising
$20,000 – $25,000
Additional Funds – First 3 Months of Operation
$15,000 – $30,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$696,000 – $1,265,750
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$40,000
Real Estate (3 Months’ Rent)
$18,000 – $60,000
Lease and Utility Security Deposits
$6,000 – $20,000
Architect, Permits, Engineers, and Licenses
$40,000 – $60,000
Leasehold Improvements
$375,000 – $700,000
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment
$70,000 – $134,000
Décor Package
$2,000 – $10,000
Computer System and Technology
$2,000 – $4,000
Tools and Supplies
$12,000 – $16,000
Signage
$10,000 – $30,000
Business Licenses and Permits
$500 – $1,000
Professional Fees
$10,000 – $17,000
Initial Inventory
$20,000 – $26,000
Ongoing Inventory (3 Months)
$52,000 – $87,000
Insurance (3 Months)
$500 – $750
Initial Training Program Expenses
$3,000 – $5,000
Grand Opening Advertising
$20,000 – $25,000
Additional Funds – First 3 Months of Operation
$15,000 – $30,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$696,000 – $1,265,750
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams had 87 total units in 2025, of which 0 were franchised-owned and 87 company-owned.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams provides a detailed training program for franchisees and their designated managers to ensure consistent operational standards. The training is divided into the following programs:
Initial Training Program Franchisees and their "Mandatory Trainees" must satisfactorily complete the Initial Training Program before opening. This includes up to three attendees at no cost for the first shop; additional attendees or retraining sessions may incur a $1,000 fee per person plus associated expenses. The program covers key operational procedures and is scheduled based on trainee availability and shop launch timing.
Shopkeeper and Successor Training If a new Shopkeeper is hired during the term, they may be required to complete a training program approved by the franchisor. If the franchisee does not maintain an approved internal training program, the Shopkeeper must complete Jeni’s Initial Training, which may involve additional fees.
Ongoing and Remedial Training Jeni’s may require franchisees to attend ongoing training or certification programs throughout the franchise term. This includes attendance at annual meetings and additional sessions if the franchise is not operating in compliance with system standards. Fees include $500 per trainer per day plus related costs.
Territory Protection
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams offers limited territory protection to its franchisees through a “Protected Territory,” which is only granted once a specific site is selected and approved.
Until this designation is finalized and attached to the franchise agreement, franchisees do not receive any territorial protection, including in the surrounding area or site selection region. Outside of the Protected Territory, the franchisor and its affiliates retain full rights to establish and operate other Jeni’s locations or authorize others to do so.
Even within the Protected Territory, the protection is narrowly defined. The franchisor reserves the right to distribute its products through non-traditional venues like retail stores, online platforms, or third-party channels—even if they overlap geographically with the franchisee’s area.
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