Does Ben Jerrys enter into Development Agreements for Satellite Shops?
Ben_Jerrys Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We also may offer a development agreement (the "Development Agreement") to qualified, multiple-unit operators, who will commit to developing a minimum of three Scoop Shops. If you sign a Development Agreement, we will grant you the right to establish an agreedupon number of Scoop Shops within specified geographic areas (each individual area is a "Deposit Area" and collectively these areas comprise the "Development Area"). Each Scoop Shop will operate under the terms of a separate Franchise Agreement. You must obtain site authorization for each Scoop Shop site, and establish Scoop Shops under a development schedule that we will include as an exhibit to the Development Agreement (the "Development Schedule"). We do not enter into Development Agreements for Satellite Shops.
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 does offer development agreements, but these agreements are exclusively for Scoop Shops. Ben & Jerry's will offer a Development Agreement to qualified, multi-unit operators who commit to developing a minimum of three Scoop Shops.
The Development Agreement grants the developer the right to establish an agreed-upon number of Scoop Shops within specified geographic areas, known as Deposit Areas, which collectively form the Development Area. Each Scoop Shop operated under a Development Agreement is governed by a separate Franchise Agreement.
Importantly, the FDD explicitly states that Ben Jerrys does not enter into Development Agreements for Satellite Shops. Therefore, this option is only available for franchisees interested in developing multiple Scoop Shop locations.