The global ice-cream brand, Ben & Jerry’s, has announced that it is waiving the initial franchise fee in Australia. Any new franchisees who sign up with the brand before September 30, 2022, will not have to pay an initial franchise fee to get started.
The idea behind the initiative is to open the franchise opportunity up to more people who want to own and operate their own small business. Franchisees will have the opportunity to be a part of a global franchise system that is backed by the multinational giant, Unilever. Franchising experts at DC Strategy believe now is the ideal time to join the brand.
A part of the franchise package includes assistance in site selection, which makes use of geo-technology information on locations, demographic research, lease negotiations and the fit-out of the store itself.
This corresponds with Ben & Jerry’s global expansion plans with an emphasis on new scoop-shops across Australia. Locations include Brisbane, Adelaide, Cronulla, Coogee, Circular Quay and Canberra with a price range between $250,000 and $450,000.
The Ben & Jerry’s brand has been around for over 40 years, and has over 570 scoop shops in 38 countries. It was founded in Burlington, Vermont in 1978 and was sold to Unilever in 2000, and now operates as a fully owned subsidiary of the global conglomerate.