Ben & Jerry’s: Serving Up Ice Cream with a Conscience

Ben & Jerry’s has carved out a distinctive niche in the frozen dessert industry by pairing imaginative ice cream with a deeply rooted commitment to social causes. Launched in 1978 by founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield in Burlington, Vermont — where the company is still headquartered — the brand began franchising its Scoop Shops in 1981.

Franchisees are invited to join a business that’s about more than just ice cream. Known for its bold and playful flavors, Ben & Jerry’s also champions a purpose-driven model that promotes fairness and sustainability. The company emphasizes ethical sourcing, supports small-scale farmers, and operates with an eye toward environmental responsibility.

This values-first approach is what sets Ben & Jerry’s apart in a crowded market. Today, with more than 600 Scoop Shops across the globe, the company continues to grow its U.S. franchise network, seeking partners who are passionate about both community engagement and positive change.

Training

Ben & Jerry’s provides a comprehensive suite of training programs to support its franchisees throughout their journey. These programs include:

1. Scoop U Training (Initial Training Program)
   Ben & Jerry’s offers a foundational training course called Scoop University (“Scoop U”), mandatory for up to three trainees before opening a new Scoop Shop. This training may be conducted in-person or virtually, depending on the circumstances, and covers essential aspects of shop operations.
2. Opening Training
   Following the completion of Scoop U, franchisees receive additional support tailored to their evaluated readiness. This training focuses on the company’s history, food preparation, sanitation, equipment maintenance, customer service, cake decoration, POS system usage, and the implementation of initial business systems.
3. Follow-Up Training
   Franchisees, managers, and designated employees may be required to attend follow-up seminars and courses. New managers must complete the Scoop U training, and all operators must attend refresher training every five years, regardless of how many shops they manage.
4. Virtual and Confidential Pre-Contract Training
   In some cases, candidates may receive training and confidential materials before signing a contract. If so, they must sign a confidentiality agreement to access this proprietary information.
5. Manager-to-Franchisee Pathways Program and Racial Equity Incentive Program
   These initiatives support professional development and may reimburse franchisees or participants for approved training and learning expenses.

Territory Protection

Ben & Jerry’s provides a defined territory for each franchisee during the term of the Franchise Agreement. Within this territory, the franchisor agrees not to establish or license any other person to operate a competing Scoop Shop.

This territorial protection is not based on sales or performance metrics but solely on compliance with the Franchise Agreement. However, the franchise does retain certain reserved rights.

Ben & Jerry’s and its affiliates may operate or license businesses outside the assigned territory, including shops under the same or different branding. Moreover, no territory is granted for Satellite Shops, and the franchisor may continue other distribution methods, such as online sales and third-party deliveries, which may reach into any territory.