According to the Ben Jerrys Franchise Agreement, what is considered '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 off-premises activities involving scooping at customers' homes, offices, celebrations, and other locations. Ben & Jerry's may grant the franchisee the right, but not the obligation, to engage in catering activities.
This means that as a Ben Jerrys franchisee, you may have the opportunity to expand your business beyond the traditional scoop shop by providing catering services. However, this right is not guaranteed and is subject to approval by Ben Jerrys. If approved, you would be able to serve Ben & Jerry's ice cream at events such as parties, corporate gatherings, and other private functions.
It's important to note that all catering activities, like other off-premises activities, are subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the Franchise Agreement and the Ben Jerrys Confidential Operating Manual. This includes guidelines and requirements related to insurance coverage, event size, and duration. A prospective franchisee should discuss with Ben Jerrys what the requirements are for insurance coverage, event size, and duration.