When did the current franchisor become the franchisor of the Ben Jerrys System?
Ben_Jerrys Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We first began operating company-owned Ben & Jerry's Shops in February 1999, but we did not act as the franchisor of the System or hold any franchise agreements until December 29, 2000 (the "Acquisition Date"). On the Acquisition Date, we and Homemade completed a corporate restructuring, through which we became the franchisor and operator of Ben & Jerry's Shops and we acquired all of the assets related to Homemade's company-owned Ben & Jerry's Shops, as well as the assets that Homemade used to manage and operate the System's franchising activities. At that time, we also acquired from Homemade all of the Ben & Jerry's franchise agreements that were in effect as of the Acquisition Date, as well as other agreements relating to those franchise agreements and franchised Ben & Jerry's Shops. We also then acquired from Homemade the right to use and to license others to use, the Proprietary Marks and the System.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS, AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 9–16)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Ben Jerrys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Ben & Jerry's Franchising, Inc. became the franchisor of the Ben & Jerry's system on December 29, 2000, also referred to as the "Acquisition Date". Prior to this date, Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc. was the franchisor. On the Acquisition Date, Ben & Jerry's Franchising, Inc. acquired all assets related to Homemade's company-owned Ben & Jerry's Shops, as well as the assets that Homemade used to manage and operate the System's franchising activities.
This means that Ben Jerrys Franchising, Inc. is responsible for all franchising activities from that date forward. This includes offering franchises, managing franchise agreements, and upholding the obligations of the franchisor as outlined in the Franchise Agreement. Ben & Jerry's Franchising, Inc. also acquired the right to use and license others to use the Proprietary Marks and the System.
Prospective franchisees should note that Ben & Jerry's Franchising, Inc., and not Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc., Unilever, or any other affiliate, is the entity to which they must look to fulfill the franchisor obligations under their Franchise Agreement. This distinction is important for understanding who is responsible for supporting and managing the franchise relationship.