FRANCHISE RESALES

Buy a Ben & Jerry’s Franchise

Ben & Jerry’s is a pioneering American ice cream brand founded in 1978 by childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield in Burlington, Vermont. Starting with a $12,000 investment and a correspondence course in ice cream making, they opened their first scoop shop in a renovated gas station. Known for its super-premium ice cream featuring generous chunks and swirls, Ben & Jerry’s quickly gained popularity through innovative flavors like Cookie Dough and Chocolate Fudge Brownie. The company grew from a local shop to a global brand, now operating in 43 countries as an independent subsidiary of Unilever since 2000. Ben & Jerry’s is celebrated for its commitment to social justice, environmental sustainability, and Fairtrade sourcing, blending high-quality products with strong ethical values.

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Why buy a Ben & Jerry’s Franchise?

Investing in Ben & Jerry’s offers association with a beloved, globally recognized brand that combines delicious, innovative products with a strong social mission. Franchisees benefit from a loyal customer base, proven operational systems, and the backing of Unilever’s resources. The brand’s commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing resonates with modern consumers, providing a competitive edge in the growing premium ice cream market.

Ben & Jerry’s Franchise Costs & Information

Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

  • Brand Profile

    • Year Founded

      1978

    • Franchising Since

      1981

    • New Startup Cost

      $154,200 – $526,300

    • Avg. Resale Price

      Contact us for details

  • Franchise Fees

    • Initial franchise Fee

      $18,000

      for new territories

    • Transfer Fee

      $6,000

    • Royalty Fee

      3%

      of Gross Sales

    • Marketing Fee

      2%

      of Gross Sales

  • Unit Performance

    • Total Units *

      19

    • New Units Opened *

      0

    • Units Transferred *

      0

    • Avg. Unit revenue *

      $635,597

    * Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

Ben & Jerry’s – Additional  Information

  1. Training & Support

    Ben & Jerry’s is a pioneering American ice cream brand founded in 1978 by childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield in Burlington, Vermont. Starting with a $12,000 investment and a correspondence course in ice cream making, they opened their first scoop shop in a renovated gas station. Known for its super-premium ice cream featuring generous chunks and swirls, Ben & Jerry’s quickly gained popularity through innovative flavors like Cookie Dough and Chocolate Fudge Brownie. The company grew from a local shop to a global brand, now operating in 43 countries as an independent subsidiary of Unilever since 2000. Ben & Jerry’s is celebrated for its commitment to social justice, environmental sustainability, and Fairtrade sourcing, blending high-quality products with strong ethical values.

  2. Ideal Owner

    The ideal Ben & Jerry’s franchisee is passionate about quality, social responsibility, and community impact. They should be committed to upholding the brand’s values of environmental stewardship and social justice while delivering exceptional customer experiences. Experience in retail or food service is helpful, but alignment with the company’s mission is paramount.

  3. Recognition & Awards

    Ben & Jerry’s has received numerous recognitions including the 1988 U.S. Small Business Persons of the Year award from President Ronald Reagan. It was the first ice cream company to introduce Fairtrade-certified vanilla in 2015 and has been lauded for pioneering social activism within the food industry. Its innovative marketing campaigns and commitment to sustainability have earned widespread acclaim.

  4. Industry / Market

    Ben & Jerry’s entered the super-premium ice cream market during its early growth phase, which has since expanded significantly. The premium ice cream sector grew 17% in the early 1980s, outpacing the overall market. Today, Ben & Jerry’s continues to capitalize on consumer demand for high-quality, ethically sourced products, with innovation in flavors and snacking formats fueling ongoing growth in a competitive global market.

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