Ben & Jerry’s
Founded in 1978, Ben & Jerry’s is an American ice cream brand offering premium scoops, sundaes and shakes. UK franchise opportunities include Scoop Shops and kiosks.
About Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops are designed to deliver the immersive Ben & Jerry’s experience to fans and first-timers. They’re welcoming places where families and friends can enjoy their favourite treats and deepen their connections with our brand.
All of our ice cream is made with the best possible ingredients - non-GMO, Fairtrade, free-range eggs, no artificial colours, flavours or emulsifiers, with dairy cream and milk from free-grazing cows, generous chunks, swirls and a high butter-fat content for a creamy taste. Ben & Jerry’s is synonymous with fun, quality, big chunks, saucy swirls, ‘out there’ flavours and euphoric creations.
Every flavour is unique, created with our special recipe for making the best ice cream possible, in the nicest possible way, using business to do good!
Ben & Jerry’s operates on a three-part mission aiming to create linked prosperity for everyone connected to our business: suppliers, employees, farmers, franchisees, customers and neighbours alike.
Why franchise with Ben & Jerry’s
- Join one of the world's most recognised ice cream brands, with over 600 Scoop Shops globally and millions of loyal fans.
- Proven franchise model with strong gross margins and multiple revenue streams including ice cream, shakes, sundaes, waffles, delivery, cakes and catering.
- Comprehensive training programme, operational systems and ongoing support from experienced business development, marketing and supply chain teams.
- Immediate brand recognition backed by national marketing activity and a values-led business with a unique social mission.
- Flexible growth opportunities through single-unit and multi-unit development agreements across the UK.
Investment breakdown
| Minimum investment | £150,000 |
|---|---|
| Maximum investment | £300,000 |
| Total investment (typical site) | £100,000 to £250,000 |
| Franchise fee | £20,000 |
| Management service fee | 6% Royalty Fee |
| Marketing contribution | 2% Marketing Levy |
| Agreement term | 10 years |
What's expected of a franchisee
Property requirements
Ben & Jerry’s offers flexible property options, from kiosks of approximately 100-300 sq ft to Scoop Shops typically measuring 600-1,500 sq ft. Sites include city centres, tourist hotspots, university towns, prime high streets, shopping centres and waterfront or leisure destinations. Locations should offer visible frontage, strong footfall, utility and delivery access, and suitable power or extraction where required. Seasonal trading potential matters, with mobile formats available.
Training and support
Ben & Jerry’s provides an immersion programme covering brand culture, operating systems and practical Scoop Shop training. Franchisees receive support with property evaluation, store design, pre-opening planning and on-site launch assistance. Ongoing guidance includes an operations manual, business development and supply chain support, approved marketing materials, recruitment advice and operating systems. Refresher training, product launches and performance reviews support continued growth.
Operational requirements
Ben & Jerry’s franchises are typically owner-led, although established multi-unit operators may appoint management teams. Staffing ranges from 5-20 employees, depending on format and season. Franchisees oversee recruitment, daily operations, local marketing and customer service, using approved equipment and systems. They must follow brand standards, food safety rules and licensing requirements. A hands-on management approach is expected, but previous ice cream experience is not required.
Experience required
Previous ice cream experience is not required, although hospitality, retail, foodservice or multi-site experience is advantageous. Ben & Jerry’s seeks commercially minded entrepreneurs who share its values-led approach and prioritise excellent customer experiences. Ideal franchisees have strong leadership skills, can motivate teams, follow brand standards and engage with local communities. They should have the financial capacity and ambition to grow, potentially across multiple locations.
Territory availability
Key facts
Request franchise information
Your details go straight to the Ben & Jerry’s franchise team. There's no cost to enquire.