If you’re exploring opportunities to invest in a food-service business under a well-known brand, you may have come across Ben & Jerry’s. Renowned for its inventive ice-cream flavours, ethical backbone and colourful branding, Ben & Jerry’s offers more than just a dessert — it presents a lifestyle. For entrepreneurs eager to enter the hospitality sector and run an independent business with strong branding behind it, a key question is: does Ben & Jerry’s offer franchise opportunities in the UK? The answer is yes — Ben & Jerry’s does offer franchise opportunities in the UK.
About Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s began as a small ice-cream operation in the United States and has grown into an internationally recognised brand with a distinctive personality. It stands out not only for its creative flavours and mix-ins, but also for its commitment to social and environmental values. In the UK market the brand has grown its presence through ready-to-eat scoop shops, retail supermarket tubs and collaborations. The “scoop shop” model emphasises fresh service, immersive brand experience and community engagement. The brand’s philosophy places equal importance on product quality, economic sustainability and social missions, which appeals to both consumers and prospective business owners who want more than just a commercial enterprise.
Franchise Opportunities in the UK
Ben & Jerry’s actively invites interested parties to explore becoming a franchisee, particularly for its scoop shop format in the UK. The brand offers a comprehensive franchise programme designed for individuals or teams who are enthusiastic about the business, aligned with its values and willing to commit to operating under its standards. The franchise package includes support with site selection, design and build of the store, operational training, marketing support and ongoing brand development. This makes the opportunity more accessible to entrepreneurs who might not have prior experience specifically in ice-cream retailing, but who are motivated, business-savvy and aligned with the ethos of the brand.
In the UK, Ben & Jerry’s lists franchise information on its website, outlining the steps to start the process, and invites applicants to submit expressions of interest. This demonstrates that the brand sees growth potential via franchise partners in the market. As a franchisee you would be operating under the Ben & Jerry’s brand name, leveraging its global recognition, marketing appeal and customer loyalty, rather than building a brand from scratch.
What It Means to Be a Franchisee
Choosing to invest in a Ben & Jerry’s franchise means you’d be responsible for running your own scoop shop in line with the brand system. You’d engage in site selection (in collaboration with the franchisor), store layout, staffing, supply chain, service standards and local marketing. Because the brand provides support and a proven model, you can benefit from the advantages of a recognised name — customers already know the brand and what it stands for. Nevertheless, as with any franchise investment, success will depend on location, local competition, effective management, and your level of engagement with the business.
Being a Ben & Jerry’s franchisee also means embracing the brand’s mission-driven identity: fair ingredients, sustainable sourcing, community involvement and a fun, inclusive brand attitude. If you share these values — and want to operate a business that has a purpose as well as profit — this brand could align well with your goals. On the financial side, setting up a scoop shop involves investment in fit-out, equipment, location and initial operations, but the backing of a known brand can help reduce some of the risks associated with starting a new independent venture.
Conclusion
In short, Ben & Jerry’s does offer franchise opportunities in the UK, making it a viable option for those seeking to enter the food-service sector under a recognised, values-led brand. The support systems, brand recognition and community focus all provide a solid foundation for entrepreneurs. If you’re motivated by both business success and brand purpose, exploring a Ben & Jerry’s franchise could be a compelling path. As always with investing in a franchise, it’s wise to examine all the details—financial commitments, site viability, ongoing obligations—and ensure the opportunity aligns with your expectations and capabilities.