Ben & Jerry’s is one of the most recognized names in the ice cream industry, celebrated for its chunky, funky flavors and deep commitment to social causes. Founded in 1978 by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield in Burlington, Vermont, the company has grown from a small scoop shop to a globally respected brand under the Unilever umbrella. Known for creative ice cream flavors such as Cherry Garcia, Half Baked, and Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Ben & Jerry’s has created a devoted fanbase around the world.
For entrepreneurs looking to tap into the thriving frozen dessert market, Ben & Jerry’s represents one of the most iconic ice cream franchise opportunities available today. In this article, we’ll explore the franchise model in detail, including franchise costs, potential profits, and the necessary requirements to become a part of the Ben & Jerry’s family in 2025.
Overview of the Ice Cream Franchise Landscape
The ice cream industry continues to be a profitable and resilient segment within the foodservice market. Despite economic downturns, consumers tend to seek affordable indulgences, and ice cream consistently ranks high on that list. The global ice cream market is expected to surpass $100 billion by 2029, and franchise models are key players in this growth.
Brands such as Cold Stone Creamery, Baskin-Robbins, Dairy Queen, and Haagen-Dazs have long dominated the ice cream franchise opportunities segment. Yet, Ben & Jerry’s stands out not only for its product innovation and premium ingredients but also for its commitment to social justice and sustainable sourcing, which can be a powerful draw for value-aligned franchisees and customers alike.
Ben & Jerry’s Franchise Model Explained
Unlike traditional storefront franchises, Ben & Jerry’s primarily operates through non-traditional locations such as airports, college campuses, and tourist-heavy areas like amusement parks or downtown retail strips. These scoop shops serve pre-packaged and hand-scooped ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbets.
In addition to these retail locations, Ben & Jerry’s also offers mobile franchise units and kiosks for events, festivals, and corporate catering. This flexible franchise model is designed to adapt to a variety of markets and allows franchisees to tailor operations to local demand and foot traffic.
Ben & Jerry’s Franchise Costs in 2025
Understanding the ice cream franchise costs associated with launching a Ben & Jerry’s shop is essential for prospective franchisees. These costs can vary depending on location, shop format, and the size of the market, but the general breakdown for 2025 is as follows:
Initial Franchise Fee
As of 2025, the initial franchise fee for a Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop is approximately $18,500. This one-time payment grants the franchisee the rights to use the Ben & Jerry’s brand, access to proprietary training, and support systems developed over decades.
Estimated Initial Investment
The total estimated initial investment ranges from $260,000 to $500,000. This includes expenses such as equipment, build-out costs, inventory, signage, insurance, and working capital. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Real estate lease and build-out: $100,000–$250,000
- Equipment and fixtures: $60,000–$100,000
- Initial inventory: $10,000–$15,000
- Marketing and grand opening: $10,000–$20,000
- Working capital: $20,000–$50,000
Ongoing Fees
- Royalty Fee: 3% of gross sales
- Marketing Contribution: 3% of gross sales
Compared to some other dessert franchises, Ben & Jerry’s offers relatively competitive royalty and marketing fees, especially considering the strength and visibility of its global brand.
Expected Profit and Financial Performance
Ben & Jerry’s does not publicly disclose unit-level financial performance, but historical data from franchisees and industry averages provide a useful reference. Profitability depends on several factors including location, labor costs, lease terms, and seasonal demand. However, it’s not uncommon for successful shops in high-traffic areas to generate annual revenues between $350,000 and $750,000.
Here’s a simplified example of a potential profit model:
- Annual Revenue: $600,000
- Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): $150,000
- Labor: $120,000
- Rent and Utilities: $90,000
- Royalties and Marketing: $36,000
- Other Operating Costs: $54,000
Estimated Net Profit: $150,000 (25% margin)
While individual results will vary, Ben & Jerry’s brand recognition often helps franchisees outperform local competitors, especially in tourism-heavy locations. A new franchisee can typically expect to break even within 2–3 years, assuming consistent sales and effective cost management.
Requirements to Open a Ben & Jerry’s Franchise
Ben & Jerry’s maintains high standards for prospective franchisees to ensure alignment with its values and operational philosophy. Here are the primary requirements:
Financial Qualifications
- Minimum Liquid Capital: $100,000
- Minimum Net Worth: $350,000
Franchisees must demonstrate that they have sufficient resources to support business operations until profitability is achieved. This ensures both stability and longevity in the partnership.
Business Experience
While previous foodservice experience is not strictly required, Ben & Jerry’s prefers candidates with a background in retail or hospitality. Passion for community engagement and social values is also a major plus.
Personal Values and Ethics
Ben & Jerry’s puts a unique emphasis on partnering with franchisees who align with its social mission. These include commitments to racial justice, environmental sustainability, and fair trade practices. Franchisees are expected to uphold these values and participate in local activism or community events where appropriate.
Training and Support
New franchisees must complete a 3-week comprehensive training program that covers everything from product handling and staff management to marketing and social advocacy. Ongoing support includes field visits, regional workshops, and access to proprietary operational tools.
Ben & Jerry’s vs. Other Ice Cream Franchises
To understand whether Ben & Jerry’s is the right fit, it helps to compare it with other leading ice cream franchises:
Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone offers a more customizable customer experience with made-to-order mix-ins. However, its initial investment is typically higher (ranging from $300,000 to $600,000), and its royalty fees are around 6% of gross sales—twice that of Ben & Jerry’s.
Baskin-Robbins
Baskin-Robbins offers a lower initial investment (starting at $100,000), but it has a saturated market presence in many areas and generally lower average unit volume (AUV) compared to Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops in high-traffic areas.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen offers a full-service menu with food items in addition to desserts, resulting in higher operational complexity. Franchise costs also tend to be significantly higher than those of Ben & Jerry’s.
Haagen-Dazs
Another premium brand, Haagen-Dazs operates similarly to Ben & Jerry’s in upscale markets. However, it does not have the same level of social activism or grassroots brand loyalty, which can make a difference in consumer engagement and media visibility.
Advantages of Owning a Ben & Jerry’s Franchise
- Strong Brand Equity: Recognized globally and deeply respected across demographics.
- Mission-Driven Business: Appeals to socially conscious consumers and investors.
- Flexible Location Types: Scoop shops, mobile carts, and kiosks.
- Moderate Franchise Costs: Competitive entry point for a premium brand.
- Robust Support System: Ongoing operational and marketing assistance.
Challenges to Consider
- Seasonality: Sales can dip in winter months in some climates.
- Operational Intensity: Maintaining high service standards can be demanding.
- Social Alignment: Must be prepared to embrace and promote brand activism.
Is Ben & Jerry’s the Right Ice Cream Franchise for You?
If you’re looking for an ice cream franchise with iconic branding, a moderate entry cost, and a deep social mission, Ben & Jerry’s is among the most compelling choices in 2025. It stands out in a competitive marketplace due to its cultural relevance, operational flexibility, and commitment to values beyond profit.
However, success in the franchise world depends on more than just the brand. You’ll need business acumen, community connection, and a dedication to the customer experience. If those qualities align with your vision, Ben & Jerry’s could be the perfect scoop shop opportunity for you.
Conclusion
As the ice cream industry continues to evolve, Ben & Jerry’s remains at the forefront not only in flavor innovation but also in values-driven entrepreneurship. With a solid understanding of the 2025 ice cream franchise costs, profitability expectations, and franchisee requirements, prospective business owners can make informed decisions about joining this iconic brand.
Whether you’re looking to open a scoop shop in a tourist hotspot or a kiosk in a university town, Ben & Jerry’s offers a deliciously rewarding path into the world of premium ice cream franchises.
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