The biggest ice cream specialty shop brand in the world,
Baskin-Robbins, recently announced its third year in a row of
positive new unit growth in the United States. Over 2015, a total
of 19 net new locations opened in the country, including Louisiana,
California and Kentucky. This is nearly twice the number of new net
restaurant openings the franchise business had projected for the
year.
During the year, the ice cream leader also signed store
development agreements with existing and new franchisees to open
new locations in many areas, including California, Georgia and
Tennessee. For 2016, the brand is planning to focus recruitment
efforts on franchisees in high tourism areas with warmer climates,
such as San Diego, California, and Atlanta, Georgia.
Baskin-Robbins
is continuing its veteran incentive program, which is one of the
best in the industry, for 2016 to increase the number of veteran
franchisees in the US. Started in 2013, this program offers a free
franchise fee, which has a $25,000 value, and discounted royalties
for the first five years of a store’s operation. The brand also
offers other incentive programs to those who aren't veterans, and
these discounts include a 50 percent reduction of the initial
franchise fee and lower royalty rates over the first five
years.
Dunkin' Brands’ Vice President of Global Franchising and
Business Development and CFE, Grant Benson, says the company is
happy with the net new growth by unit over 2015 in the US and feels
they are well positioned for more growth in the future. Benson says
that targeted outreach to military veterans is part of the
franchise's 2016 growth strategy.
A new store design was introduced by Baskin-Robbins in 2013 to
help fuel US expansion and growth. To date, close to 300 remodeled
and new locations have opened across the country. In 2015, 196
locations underwent remodeling for the new design, which showcases
the brand’s heritage and incorporates some modern visual
elements.
Current Franchising Opportunities
Baskin-Robbins, which earned the top spot for US ice cream and
frozen dessert franchises
in Entrepreneur's 2015 Franchise 500®, is currently looking for
franchisees in several markets, including Arkansas, Arizona,
California, Michigan, New York and Texas. To qualify for new store
franchising opportunities, applicants must have a net worth of
$200,000 with at least $100,000 liquid.
For an existing location, the franchisee must have a down
payment of at least 10 percent of the purchase price, and he or she
will also need liquid assets of at 30 percent of the sale price
plus the cost of any remodels due over the next 24 months. The
initial franchisee fee is $25,000, with the total investment
ranging from $90,350 to $396,100.
