FDD Analysis Report
Ben & Jerrys
Key Metrics At-a-Glance
$18,000
$236,300 - $526,300
See FDD
of gross sales
See FDD
of gross sales
See FDD
See FDD
N/A
Not disclosed
About This Franchise
# Ben and Jerrys Franchise Intelligence Report
## Executive Summary
Ben and Jerrys is one of the most iconic ice cream brands globally, founded in 1977 and franchising since 1981. With 600+ Scoop Shops worldwide and 155 US units, the brand offers a mid-range investment of $157K-$551K with a $37K franchise fee. Average gross sales are $612K with estimated earnings of $73K-$92K and a 5.3-7.3 year payback. The brand is known for social mission and premium product, though Glassdoor reviews are mixed on franchise operations.
## The Business
Ben and Jerrys Scoop Shops serve a menu of ice cream, ice milk, sorbet, frozen yogurt, frozen desserts, toppings, confections, novelties, fountain drinks, and other food and beverage items. The brand is known for creative flavor names, premium ingredients, and strong social/environmental mission. Parent company is Unilever.
## The Numbers
- Total Investment: $238,800 - $550,800 (FDD Item 7) - Franchise Fee: $37,000 (10% veteran discount) - Royalty Fee: Up to 5% of gross sales - National Marketing: 2% of gross sales - Local Marketing: 2% of gross sales - Minimum Net Worth: $350,000 - Minimum Liquid Capital: $100,000 - Average Gross Sales: $612,025 - Estimated Earnings: $73,443 - $91,804 - Payback Period: 5.3 - 7.3 years
## System Health
- US Locations: ~155 franchised units - Global Locations: 600+ Scoop Shops - Founded: 1977 - Franchising Since: 1981 - Franchise Term: 10 years (10-year renewal)
## Franchisee Experience
Success stories include Jessica Dizmang (20+ years, 3 Colorado locations) and Primo Partners (15-unit Black-owned multi-unit operator). Glassdoor overall rating: 3.9/5 stars. Mixed reviews note that experience varies greatly depending on individual franchisee management.
Training: Two-week initial training in South Burlington, Vermont. No direct financing offered by franchisor.
## Risk Assessment
Concerns: Seasonal demand fluctuations, high marketing fees (4% total), operational complexity of maintaining product quality, franchise experience varies by owner management, some reviews cite poor work-life balance.
Strengths: Iconic 45+ year brand recognition, strong social mission alignment, premium product positioning, loyal customer base, reasonable investment range, 5-7 year payback is competitive.
## Verdict: MODERATE-STRONG
Ben and Jerrys offers iconic brand recognition and premium product positioning with reasonable unit economics. The 5.3-7.3 year payback and $612K average sales are solid for the ice cream category. Social mission resonates with consumers. However, 4% total marketing fees and variable franchisee management quality are considerations. Best suited for operators who align with the brand values and can execute consistent customer experience.
Investment Analysis
Initial Investment Breakdown
The total initial investment ranges from $236,300 to $526,300.
| Expense Category | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $18,000 | $18,000 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT | $236,300 | $526,300 |
Ongoing Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Royalty | See FDD of Gross Revenue | - |
| Brand Fund | See FDD of Gross Revenue | - |
Item 19: Financial Performance Representations
No Financial Performance Representations
This franchisor does not provide Item 19 financial performance representations. Approximately 35% of franchisors choose to disclose this information.
Recommendation: Request financial information directly from existing franchisees listed in Exhibit I during your due diligence. Contact 10-15 franchisees to gather revenue and profitability data before making an investment decision.
Learn more about Item 19 disclosures →Risk Assessment
Items to Review
No notable items identified
Positive Indicators
Review FDD for positive factors
Due Diligence Recommendations
Contact 10-15 existing franchisees to gather operational and financial insights
Franchisee interviews are the most valuable source of information about day-to-day operations and realistic financial expectations.
Have a franchise attorney review the Franchise Agreement
Professional legal review can identify unfavorable terms and potential negotiation points.
Research local market conditions and competition
Understanding your specific market is essential for success, regardless of system-wide performance.
Download Complete FDD
Access the full Franchise Disclosure Document including all 23 items, exhibits, and financial statements.
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Learn More About FDDs
New to franchise investing? Our educational guides will help you understand what to look for in the Ben & Jerrys FDD.
The Ultimate Guide to FDDs
Learn how to read and analyze Franchise Disclosure Documents
Understanding Item 7: Initial Investment
How to evaluate franchise investment costs
FDD Item 5: Initial Fees Explained
What you pay upfront to become a franchisee
Item 20: Franchisee Information
Analyze system growth and contact franchisees
About Ben & Jerrys Franchise
Ben & Jerrys is a franchise that offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to own and operate their own business within an established system. As of the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise continues to expand its footprint nationwide. This analysis provides prospective franchisees with key insights from the FDD to support informed investment decisions.
Ben & Jerrys Franchise Cost
The total initial investment required to open a Ben & Jerrys franchise ranges from $236,300 to $526,300. This investment includes the initial franchise fee of $18,000, along with expenses for real estate, equipment, inventory, training, and working capital to sustain operations during the initial period. Ongoing fees include a royalty fee of See FDD of gross sales. Prospective franchisees should review Item 7 of the FDD for a complete breakdown of estimated initial investment costs.
Ben & Jerrys Item 19 Financial Performance
Ben & Jerrys does not provide financial performance representations in Item 19 of their FDD. Approximately 35% of franchisors choose to disclose this information. Without franchisor-provided financial data, prospective franchisees should contact existing franchisees directly to gather information about revenue, expenses, and profitability. The franchisee contact list in Exhibit I provides names and contact information for current and former franchise owners.
Ben & Jerrys Franchise Growth and System Health
The Ben & Jerrys franchise system has shown stable performance based on unit count data from Item 20 of the FDD. Prospective franchisees should examine the historical data on unit openings, closings, and transfers to understand the system's trajectory and identify any concerning trends.
Ben & Jerrys Franchise Investment Considerations
The Ben & Jerrys FDD contains important disclosures that prospective franchisees should carefully review before making an investment decision. Key factors to evaluate include the franchise fee structure, ongoing royalty requirements, territory rights, termination history, and franchisor support systems. Every franchise investment carries risk, and this analysis should be combined with professional legal and financial advice. Review the complete FDD and speak with current franchisees to gain a comprehensive understanding of the opportunity.
Due Diligence Recommendations for Ben & Jerrys
Before investing in a Ben & Jerrys franchise, prospective franchisees should:
- Contact multiple existing franchisees to gather operational and financial insights
- Have a franchise attorney review the Franchise Agreement and all exhibits
- Research local market conditions and competitive landscape
- Develop a detailed business plan with realistic financial projections
- Verify all information provided by the franchisor independently
Download the Ben & Jerrys FDD
Access the complete Ben & Jerrys Franchise Disclosure Document, including all 23 Items, exhibits, franchise agreement, and audited financial statements. FreeFDDs™ provides free access to FDDs to promote franchise transparency and help prospective franchisees make informed decisions. The FDD contains critical information that should be reviewed in its entirety before making any investment decision.
Disclaimer
This analysis report is provided for informational purposes only. The data presented has been extracted from the Franchise Disclosure Document and may contain errors or omissions.
Prospective franchisees should conduct their own due diligence, review the complete FDD document, and consult with qualified legal and financial advisors before making any investment decisions.