How Much Does a Ben & Jerry’s Franchise Cost?
Data from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document
Investment Summary
Total Investment
$157K – $551K
Franchise Fee
$40K
Royalty
3.0%
Ad Fund
2.0%
Cost Breakdown
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for Ben & Jerry’s is $40K. This one-time payment covers the right to operate under the brand, access to proprietary systems, and initial training programs.
Total Investment Range
Opening a Ben & Jerry’s franchise requires a total investment of $157K – $551K. This range typically includes real estate or leasehold improvements, equipment and fixtures, initial inventory, signage, insurance, and working capital to sustain operations during the ramp-up period.
Working capital alone ranges from $50K to $75K.
Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial investment, Ben & Jerry’s franchisees pay ongoing fees. The royalty fee is 3.0% of gross sales (Gross Sales). The advertising or brand fund contribution is 2.0% of gross sales. There is also a technology fee of $0.
Net Worth & Liquid Capital Requirements
Ben & Jerry’s requires working capital of $50K – $75K to cover initial operating expenses. This is the liquid cash you should have available beyond the franchise fee and buildout costs.
What Can You Earn?
According to Ben & Jerry’s's Item 19 financial performance representation:
Median gross sales: $612K
This figure comes from Item 19 of the FDD. Gross sales are not the same as take-home profit. After deducting royalties, ad fund fees, rent, labor, and COGS, net income is typically a fraction of gross revenue.
How Do Banks View Ben & Jerry’s?
SBA Loans Issued
44
Default Rate
0.0%
The SBA (Small Business Administration) tracks loan performance for franchise brands. Ben & Jerry’s has 44 SBA-backed loans on record. The default rate is 0.0%, which is below the franchise industry average, indicating relatively lower lending risk. A lower default rate generally indicates that lenders view the franchise as a safer investment, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
Next Steps
Talk to current Ben & Jerry’s franchise owners
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Risk analysis, unit growth, contract terms, and more
Compare Ben & Jerry’s to similar franchises
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