What is the estimated cost range for equipment and smallwares for a Ben Jerrys franchise?
Ben_Jerrys Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
yees; Distributors; Suppliers; Landlord; Utilities | | TOTAL15/ | $238,800 to $550,800 | | | |
ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES FOR IN-LINE SHOPS (APPROXIMATELY 450-650 SQ.FT)
| Type of Expenditure | Estimated Cost | Method of Payment | When Due | To Whom Payment is to be Made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Agreement Deposit1/ | $5,000 - $10,000 (to be credited towards initial franchise fees) | Lump Sum | Upon Signing | Us |
| Initial Franchise Fee2/ | $8,000 (for a Satellite Addendum); $19,750 to $39,500 (for a Franchise Agreement) | Lump Sum | Upon signing | Us |
| Plans, Development & | $3,500 to | Lump Sum | As Incurred | Architect, City |
| Permits3/ | $12,000 | and State | ||
| Type of Expenditure | Estimated Cost | Method of Payment | When Due | To Whom Payment is to |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------ | --------------------------- | ---------------------- | -------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| be Made Licensing Authority | ||||
| Leasehold Improvements | $55,000 to | As Arranged | As Arranged | Contractor |
| & Construction4/ | $115,000 | |||
| Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment, Casework, and Smallwares5/ | $65,000 to $95,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred | Vendors |
| Signage6/ | $5,000 to $12,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred | Vendors |
| Professional Fees7/ | $3,000 to $6,000 | As Arranged | As Arranged | Attorney, Accountant, etc. |
| POS8/ | $1,800 to $2,300 | As Arranged | Prior to Installation | Suppliers or Us (as payment agent) |
| Online Ordering System Hardware | $1,000 to $1,500 | As Arranged | Prior to installation | Suppliers or Us (as payment agent) |
| Internet Connectivity, | $1,000 to | As Arranged | Prior to | Suppliers and |
| and Telephone8/ | $1,500 | Installation | Vendors | |
| Deposits9/ | $3,000 to $8,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred | Landlord, Vendors, Utility Providers |
| Initial Training10/ | $1,000 to $3,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred | Us |
| Inventory11/ | $6,000 to $10,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred | Vendors, Distributors, Suppliers |
| Insurance12/ | $500 to $2,500 | As Arranged | As Arranged | Insurers |
| Grand Opening | $3,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred | Suppliers |
| Advertising13/ | ||||
| Additional Funds (3 months)14/ | $50,000 to $75,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred | Employees; Distributors; Suppliers; Landlord; Utilities |
| TOTAL15/ | $206,800 to $386,300 |
ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES FOR A KIOSK SCOOP SHOP (APPROXIMATELY 100-200 SQ.FT)
| Type of Expenditure | Estimated Cost | Method of Payment | When Due | To Whom Payment is to be Made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Agreement Deposit1/ | $5,000 - $10,000 (to be credited towards initial franchise fees) | Lump Sum | Upon Signing | Us |
| Initial Franchise Fee2/ | $8,000 (for a Satellite Addendum); |
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 28–37)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Ben Jerrys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated cost for equipment and smallwares for a standard franchise ranges from $65,000 to $135,000. For a kiosk model, the estimated cost is between $24,000 and $35,000. These costs are paid to vendors as incurred and the amount may vary based on the specific needs of the location.
These figures are part of the total initial investment required to start a Ben Jerrys franchise. It's important to note that these costs are estimates and can fluctuate based on factors such as the size of the shop, the specific equipment selected, and vendor pricing. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider these costs when planning their initial investment.
It is important to note that the FDD also lists other required technology investments, such as a POS system ($1,800 to $2,300) and online ordering hardware ($1,000 to $1,500), which are separate from the equipment and smallwares costs. These technology investments are essential for modern operations and must be factored into the overall financial planning for a Ben Jerrys franchise.