Baskin-Robbins

About Baskin-Robbins

Baskin-Robbins is one of the world’s largest chains of ice cream shops.

Established in 1945 in the USA by Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins, Baskin-Robbins is part of Dunkin’ Brands Inc, which also franchises Dunkin’ Donuts and is owned by a consortium of private equity companies (Bain Capital, The Carlyle Group and Thomas H Lee Partners).

Today Baskin-Robbins has 6,700 branches in 50 countries around the world, including free-standing restaurants, as well as concession locations in shops and cinemas.

The ‘affordable luxury’ food stuff is as popular as it ever was in the UK, with more than 150 ice cream outlets nationwide and growing.

How does the Baskin-Robbins franchise model work?

Baskin-Robbins’ development strategy is focused on opening ice cream outlets in high to mid-market residential populations and high street locations within leisure and tourist heavy environments.

Baskin-Robbins seeks entrepreneurs with a passion for their local community and who have a passion for ice cream - candidates with a dedication to operational excellence are of particular interest.

Ideally, franchisees should possess an understanding of brand building and marketing within a community; demonstrable ability to build an operations team dedicated to consumer satisfaction; and the drive and financing to develop or purchase one or more territories.

The franchisor requires the franchisee to confine his or her business to the operation of a restaurant. Baskin-Robbins franchisees may not conduct any other business or activity at the restaurant without prior written approval.

Baskin-Robbins franchisees may only offer or sell products approved by the franchisor and must offer for sale the full menu prescribed by the franchisor.

Depending on the sales volume of the outlet, Baskin-Robbins franchisees should expect to work a full shift in the restaurant every day. If sales and profits are high, franchisees may not be required to do this, but they should not enter into the business unless they are willing and able to meet this requirement.

How much does a Baskin-Robbins franchise cost?

The total launch cost of a Baskin-Robbins franchise is approximately £150,000. £75,000 of liquid capital is required. 50 per cent of the necessary investment will normally be funded by a high street bank.

What locations or territories is Baskin-Robbins looking to operate in?

The company is looking for franchisees to invest in territories around the UK.

Why is Baskin-Robbins a good investment? 

When people think of ice cream, Baskin-Robbins is more often than not the brand that immediately springs to mind. Around 90 per cent of consumers eat ice cream, so the franchise offers significant opportunities in the food retail sector.

In terms of the offering for consumers, Baskin-Robbins has a diverse selection of ice creams to choose from, ranging from indulgent treats to more health conscious offerings with no sugar added, reduced fat and churned light ice creams, as well as ice creams made from low fat natural yogurt.

Franchisees get an opportunity to enter this popular sector and be part of a traditionally high performing business backed by expert support from head office.
 

Where is the Baskin-Robbins franchise based?

The company’s headquarters are in Massachusetts, USA.
 

What support and training do Baskin-Robbins franchisees receive?

Baskin-Robbins provides franchisees with a comprehensive training programme, conducted by approved and certified professional trainers. It covers operations, management systems, food safety and health and safety management.

In addition, the Baskin-Robbins holds quarterly meetings where franchisees can network and share best practice.

Finding the right store location is key to a successful launch and each Baskin-Robbins franchisee has a dedicated support manager to help with this, as well as a project manager to oversee refurbishment.

Baskin-Robbins franchisees have access to an experienced field support team for the full term of the franchise agreement.

What are the Baskin-Robbins franchise terms of agreement and renewal?

 
The initial Baskin-Robbins franchise agreement lasts for 10 years.

What skills do I need to become a successful Baskin-Robbins franchisee?

According to Baskin-Robbins, ideal candidates have experience in negotiating and sourcing real estate in a given market, have a successful track record in the multi unit quick service restaurant sector and possess a long term strategic vision for developing the brand.

Does Baskin-Robbins charge franchisees any ongoing fees?

Yes. Franchisees must give two per cent of their turnovers to the franchisor for the advertising activity it carries out on behalf of the network.

How in demand are ice cream outlets right now?

Ice cream parlours, in the past often regarded as more of a seasonal, seaside concept, are growing in popularity.

Research shows the number of new ice cream parlours rose by 20 per cent in 2017 and despite a move towards more price conscious shopping, ice cream sales generate more than £1 billion a year for the UK economy.

Ice cream remains the most popular affordable treat for most people and is often eaten by those who avoid other desserts.

Ice cream is also one of the sectors in which customers are willing to pay more for high quality ingredients. At Baskin-Robbins, customers can choose from a tried-and-tested menu of ice creams in a range of flavours and colours, as well as desserts such as sundaes, milkshakes, waffles and crepes.

Baskin-Robbins sells in excess of 300 million scoops of ice cream each week across 6,700 stores in 50 countries.

How can I get started on setting up my own ice cream franchise or finding out about Baskin-Robbins UK franchises for sale?

Complete the enquiry form on this page and a member of Baskin-Robbins will contact you to discuss the franchise opportunity offered by the company in depth.