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FRANCHISE RESALES

Buy a Ben & Jerry’s Franchise

Ben & Jerry’s is an American super-premium ice cream brand founded in 1978, with franchised scoop shops operational since 1981. Scoop shops carry the brand’s widest product selection, including shop-only exclusive flavors alongside ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, nondairy frozen desserts, sundaes, shakes, smoothies, and ice cream cakes. Products are made with non-GMO and Fairtrade ingredients, eggs from Certified Humane cage-free farms, and milk sourced through the brand’s “Caring Dairy” sustainable farming program.

Ben & Jerry’s became an independent subsidiary of Unilever in 2000 and now operates in more than 40 countries. US scoop shops are positioned in high-foot-traffic consumer locations: downtowns, entertainment centers, tourist destinations, beaches, universities, and captive venues such as airports and amusement parks.

Beyond the product, the brand operates under a three-part mission spanning product quality, economic inclusion, and social advocacy. This identity appeals to a values-aligned consumer base and defines the franchisee profile Ben & Jerry’s recruits across its network.

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Why buy a Ben & Jerry’s Franchise?

Ben & Jerry’s carries one of the most recognized names in consumer food retail, backed by decades of brand-building and ongoing Unilever investment. Buyers who choose to buy a Ben & Jerry’s franchise inherit established brand identity, national marketing infrastructure, and consumer loyalty that drives repeat foot traffic.

The scoop shop model is built around walk-in traffic at high-visibility locations. Established operating systems, brand guidelines, and a structured marketing contribution program provide a clear framework for operators who are community-active and operationally focused. The brand’s Fairtrade and non-GMO sourcing standards, combined with its social mission, appeal to a consumer segment with growing purchasing power.

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 initial training covers 20 hours of classroom instruction and 4 hours of on-the-job training, supplemented by "Scoop U" onboarding for incoming franchisees. Ongoing support includes operational guidance and a structured marketing program covering national and local marketing contributions. Buyers of a Ben & Jerry's resale should confirm with the franchisor what transfer training and "Scoop U" access are provided when ownership changes.

  2. Ideal Owner

    Ben & Jerry's requires franchisees to be actively engaged in their business, with at least two years of management experience that includes P&L responsibility. The model fits operators who are comfortable recruiting, training, and managing retail staff in a high-traffic service environment. The brand places equal weight on business acumen and values alignment: candidates should be socially conscious, invested in their local community, and genuinely committed to operating a mission-driven business. A college degree is preferred.

  3. Recognition & Awards

    Ben & Jerry's has appeared in the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 for more than 20 years, most recently ranked #285. The brand's founders were named US Small Business Persons of the Year by President Reagan in 1988. Its commitment to Fairtrade sourcing and social advocacy has generated consistent media coverage and consumer goodwill across multiple decades. For resale buyers, local reputation and community presence often carry as much weight as brand-level recognition in determining scoop shop performance.

  4. Industry / Market

    The US ice cream market is valued at approximately $20 billion and is projected to grow steadily through 2031, according to Mordor Intelligence. Ice cream retail is seasonal, with demand concentrated in spring and summer months, which affects cash flow planning for scoop shop operators. Families are the primary customer group for retail ice cream locations, and marketing is typically local and regional in nature. Scoop shop performance is closely tied to foot traffic and community presence, making location quality and territory analysis important for resale buyers.

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