Does Ben Jerrys charge a fee for Scoop U Training for managers after the initial pre-opening training?
Ben_Jerrys Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 6.2 In addition to pre-opening training, BEN & JERRY'S may require any persons subsequently employed by OPERATOR in the position of manager to attend and complete to BEN & JERRY'S satisfaction, Scoop U Training for managers, for which training BEN & JERRY'S may charge OPERATOR a fee. OPERATOR, OPERATOR's manager, and other employees as OPERATOR may designate shall also attend such additional courses, seminars, and other training programs as BEN & JERRY'S may require from time to time. Every five (5) years, OPERATOR shall also attend such additional courses, seminars, and other training programs as BEN & JERRY'S may reasonably require from time to time irrespective of the number of Shops OPERATOR operates.
- 6.3 All training programs shall be at such times as may be designated by BEN & JERRY'S. Training programs shall be provided in Vermont and/or such other locations as BEN & JERRY'S may designate. OPERATOR may be required to pay a fee to BEN & JERRY'S, or to trainers designated by BEN & JERRY'S, for training courses, seminars and programs provided after the pre-opening training described in Section 6.1. OPERATOR or its employees shall be responsible for any and all other expenses incurred by them in connection with Scoop U Training and any other training, including the costs of transportation, lodging, meals, and wages. Trainees will not receive compensation from BEN & JERRY'S for work performed during Scoop U Training or such other training. OPERATOR acknowledges that Scoop U Training is designed to protect the BEN & JERRY'S brand and reputation, and is not designed to control the day-to-day operation of the Scoop Shop.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 133–134)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Ben Jerrys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Ben & Jerry's may charge a fee for Scoop U Training for managers after the initial pre-opening training. Specifically, Ben & Jerry's may require any persons subsequently employed by the operator in the position of manager to attend and complete Scoop U Training for managers, for which Ben & Jerry's may charge the operator a fee.
This means that as a Ben & Jerry's franchisee, you should anticipate potential costs for ongoing training of your managers. While the initial pre-opening training may be included, any subsequent manager training could incur a fee payable to Ben & Jerry's. It is important to factor these potential training expenses into your operating budget.
Furthermore, the franchisee or its employees are responsible for all other expenses related to Scoop U Training and any other training, including transportation, lodging, meals, and wages. Trainees will not receive compensation from Ben & Jerry's for work performed during Scoop U Training or such other training. This highlights the franchisee's responsibility for covering all costs associated with training, beyond just the potential training fee itself.