What happens if Scoop U Training for Ben Jerrys franchisees occurs virtually?

According to Ben Jerrys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Scoop U Training may be administered fully virtually under certain circumstances, in which case the curriculum may be modified. This means that Ben Jerrys retains the right to deliver the training program online instead of in person, and that the content of the training will be adjusted to suit the virtual format.

For a prospective franchisee, this implies that the initial training, typically held at Ben Jerrys's headquarters in South Burlington, Vermont, might be conducted remotely. The FDD specifies that Scoop U consists of three full days of instruction at the headquarters, along with pre-work and supplemental remote/virtual instruction as needed. The in-person training includes lectures, presentations, conversations, field trips, and hands-on experience. If the training is fully virtual, some of these elements, like field trips and hands-on experience in the demo Scoop Shop, would likely be altered or replaced with virtual equivalents.

While the FDD does not detail the specific modifications to the curriculum, it is reasonable to expect that the virtual training would cover the same core topics, such as product knowledge, scooping techniques, quality control, and operational procedures. The practical implications for franchisees are that they may save on travel and lodging expenses if the training is virtual. However, they might miss out on the networking opportunities and hands-on experience that in-person training provides. It would be prudent for a prospective franchisee to inquire about the circumstances under which virtual training is offered and the specific changes made to the curriculum in the virtual format.