According to the Ben Jerrys agreement, what is the definition of 'Catering'?
Ben_Jerrys Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 1.2 BEN & JERRY'S may grant OPERATOR the right, but not the obligation, to engage in off-premises activities, including scooping at festivals, fairs, concerts, sporting events and other events ("Special Events"), scooping at customers' homes, offices, celebrations and other locations ("Catering") (hereinafter, Special Events and Catering are collectively referred to as "Off-Premises Activities"), delivery by third parties (e.g., Uber Eats, GrubHub and Door Dash) to customers' homes, offices and other locations ("On-Demand Sales"), and the scooping of Products from a mobile scooping facility such as a truck of trailer ("Mobile Vending") with such Off-Premises Activity, On-Demand Sales and Mobile Vending to be approved by BEN & JERRY'S as described below in Section 7.3.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 133–134)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Ben Jerrys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, 'Catering' is defined as scooping at customers' homes, offices, celebrations, and other locations. This falls under the umbrella of 'Off-Premises Activities,' which also includes 'Special Events' like scooping at festivals, fairs, concerts, and sporting events. Ben Jerrys franchisees have the right, but not the obligation, to engage in catering activities.
This means that as a Ben Jerrys franchisee, you have the option to extend your services beyond the traditional scoop shop and bring Ben Jerrys products directly to customers at various locations. This can be a significant opportunity to increase revenue and brand visibility within your territory. However, it's important to note that all off-premises activities, including catering, are subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the Franchise Agreement and the Confidential Operating Manual.
Ben Jerrys may require approval for off-premises activities. As a franchisee, you must adhere to the guidelines and requirements set forth by Ben Jerrys regarding insurance coverage, event size, event duration, and vehicle use. This ensures that the brand is consistently represented and that all operations meet Ben Jerrys's standards, regardless of location. Prospective franchisees should discuss the specific requirements and approval processes for catering and other off-premises activities with Ben Jerrys to fully understand the obligations and opportunities involved.