Peace, Love & Ice Cream

Thanks for your interest in the Ben & Jerry’s Franchise Opportunity.

This Learning Center is your guide to get to know Ben & Jerry’s the company and to discover how owning one of our scoop shops can be a wonderful opportunity to grow a business that makes people smile and is deeply rooted in your community.

We’ve arranged this Learning Center into five sections. We welcome you to check out the first three at your own pace. If you want to learn more about our Franchise Opportunity, complete our franchise application to unlock more in-depth information about becoming a Ben & Jerry’s franchise owner.

Enjoy!

We’re a company on a mission

Ben & Jerry’s operates on a three-part mission that aims to create linked prosperity for everyone that’s connected to our business: suppliers, employees, farmers, franchisees, customers, and neighbors alike.

Ben & Jerry’s is a unique, caring, fun and quirky company unlike any other. We're an activist company unlike any other, too. We’re not shy about speaking up, making a case, taking a stand, creating a campaign – or even a flavor – to build awareness and support for the social & environmental issues that we feel strongly about.

Love what you do

Think about what you’re doing now…do you love it? If so, keep on doing it! But if you’re feeling like you’ve hit a dead end, or like you’re a mouse on a wheel, then maybe it’s time for a change. Perhaps you’re looking to live out a dream or maybe now is just the moment to take on a new challenge.

Imagine owning a business that puts smiles on people’s faces, that’s backed by one of the world’s most recognized and loved brands, and that values the importance of having fun, giving back, and getting involved in the community.

A Ben & Jerry’s franchise is an opportunity to love what you do and make a difference doing it. (If you love the idea, we already have a lot in common.)

We think we’ll be a good match if you…

• Are socially conscious, active in your community and seeking to make a real difference.
• Are looking to find more out of life, where you can be extremely passionate about your business and the positive impact you have on others.
• Will be actively engaged in the business.
• Have at least two years of business management experience with P&L responsibility.
• Have excellent business acumen, project management skills, and the ability to build and execute a business plan.
• Are systems-oriented, and understand and value a franchise system.
• Have the ability to recruit, train, and motivate staff, according to our standards.
• Have a competitive drive and are committed to succeed, with realistic expectations.
• Demonstrate honesty, integrity and humility and are a team player.
• Possess strong interpersonal and communication skills and are fluent in English.
• Know how to use a computer and apply technology.
• Have a strong credit history and a minimum net worth of $350,000, with $100,000 in liquidity (cash and securities, not including retirement accounts).
• Have a college degree or higher (preferred).

The Franchise Relationship

Franchising is a path many take to own their own business because a franchise lets them go into business for themselves without being totally on their own.

As a franchisee, you benefit from having a well-known brand name and a terrific product from the first day you open your doors. While you are responsible for your business, you have the franchisor (that’s us) backing you up with systems, training, marketing programs, and other support.

Owning a business doesn’t mean you work less or less hard, but you may have a more flexible schedule, and of course, you’re working for you.

Being a business owner gives you the opportunity to make a difference in your community, and for Ben & Jerry’s, that’s a crucial part of the equation.