Franchise Deep Dive: Ben & Jerry’s Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

The well-known ice cream concept has a strong presence both in grocery stores and local communities thanks to its scoop shops nationwide. Here’s what you need to know about the Ben & Jerry's franchise investment.

By Morgan Wood1851 Franchise Contributor

10:10AM • 03/09/23

LAST UPDATED: January 2023

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://www.benjerry.com/scoop-shops/franchise

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 583

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $152,200–$546,800

Ben & Jerry’s, which is now a large franchise network and a brand found in grocery stores across the country, first started in 1978. Ben and Jerry opened their first shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont. In 1980, the duo began distributing pints to local grocery stores.

The first franchised location opened in 1981 in Shelburne, Vermont, and the concept has been growing strong ever since. Now, Ben & Jerry’s as a brand is known for its unique flavors, natural ingredients and the brand’s corporate commitment to social responsibility.

How Many Ben & Jerry’s Locations Are There?

In 2022, there were 583 Ben & Jerry’s locations open. The concept saw a decline in unit count following 2020, likely due to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and how this impacted food-service businesses, specifically.

However, after hitting a low of 562 units in 2020, the concept began growing again, gaining 21 new units between 2020 and 2022.

What Is the Ben & Jerry’s Business Model?

The Ben & Jerry’s business model leans heavily on “a remarkable brand experience.” While Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops are focused on serving a range of the best ice cream and frozen treats, the full experience draws in the concept’s whimsical, welcoming aspects. The brand’s website says that scoop shops are meant to be a place where customers can enjoy themselves and deepen their connection with the brand.

There are multiple build-out models available.

Full-Size Shop: A full-size scoop shop may stand alone and is between 750 and 1,200 square feet.
In-Line Scoop Shop: In-line scoop shops may be connected to other structures. These build-outs are between 450 and 650 square feet.
Kiosk: A kiosk model is a lower profile one at just 100 to 200 square feet.

How Much Can Ben & Jerry’s Franchise Owners Make?

Ben & Jerry’s does not publicly disclose the sales of existing locations, nor can it legally predict the sales or profitability of a new location.

“As a part of our Discovery Process, we will provide you with a list of our franchisees and locations so that you may contact them directly to discuss sales and earnings information,” the brand says on its website.

How Much Does It Cost To Open a Ben & Jerry’s?

The cost to open a Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop depends largely on the build-out. The franchise website provides high-level guidance on start-up costs but does clarify that these amounts can change depending on the details of the build-out.

Full-Size Shop: $234,300–$546,800
In-Line Shop: $202,300–$373,300
Kiosk: $152,200–$329,300

These amounts include the franchise fee, which is $37,000 for a traditional model and $16,000 for shops being built in a “special venue.”

The site also notes that franchisees should be equipped with three months’ operating expenses, which is about $50,000–$75,000.

What Is the Franchise Fee for Ben & Jerry’s?

The standard franchise fee for Ben & Jerry’s is $37,000. For locations in a “special venue,” the franchise fee is $16,000.

Who Is the Leadership of Ben & Jerry’s?

Ben & Jerry’s is a subsidiary of Unilever, but it also has an independent Board of Directors.

Unilever’s leadership team includes:

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