Does Ben Jerrys charge a fee for the relocation of a franchise?
Ben_Jerrys Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may not relocate the Shop from the Authorized Location unless you obtain our prior written approval of your request to relocate, which request must meet certain criteria. The substitute location must be within the Territory of your Shop (or, in the case of a Satellite Shop, it must be within the Territory of your Shop). Among other factors, we will assess your financial ability to meet the necessary costs incurred in relocating. We are not required to approve any relocation request. If you qualify to relocate, we will require that you enter into our then-current form of Franchise Agreement (replacing your existing franchise agreement) for the remainder of the term of your franchise. Although you will not pay an initial fee for entering into our thencurrent form of franchise agreement (as it will cover only the remainder of term of your existing franchise), we will charge a fee for the re-location of a franchise to include our costs for the evaluation of you, your proposed site and the documentation of your proposed location and replacement franchise agreement. See Item 6 for more information regarding the relocation fee.
Source: Item 12 — TERRITORY (FDD pages 60–64)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Ben Jerrys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees may be permitted to relocate their shop from the authorized location with prior written approval from Ben Jerrys, contingent upon meeting certain criteria. The substitute location must be within the shop's territory or, for a Satellite Shop, within the territory of its affiliated Scoop Shop. Ben Jerrys will assess the franchisee's financial ability to cover the relocation costs.
While Ben Jerrys does not charge an initial franchise fee for entering into a new franchise agreement that covers the remainder of the original term, they do charge a relocation fee. This fee covers Ben Jerrys's costs for evaluating the franchisee, the proposed site, and the documentation for the proposed location and replacement franchise agreement.
Item 6 of the Ben Jerrys 2025 FDD provides more information regarding the relocation fee. Prospective franchisees should carefully review Item 6 to understand the specific amount and terms of this fee before deciding to relocate their franchise.