If a Ben Jerrys franchisee hires a manager, what training must the manager complete?
Ben_Jerrys Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
) thirty (30) days.
6. TRAINING
- 6.1 Before opening the Scoop Shop, (i) OPERATOR (or, if OPERATOR is other than an individual, an Owner approved by BEN & JERRY'S), or (ii) OPERATOR's manager (if OPERATOR or an Owner will not be the on-Premises supervisor of the Scoop Shop on a fulltime basis) shall attend and complete to BEN & JERRY'S satisfaction Scoop U Training. If OPERATOR is an individual who will not manage the Scoop Shop personally, BEN & JERRY'S may require OPERATOR to attend and complete to BEN & JERRY'S satisfaction, initial training as determined by BEN & JERRY'S.
- 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.
Source: Item 15 — OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRANCHISE BUSINESS (FDD pages 66–67)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Ben Jerrys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee hires a manager, that manager may be required to attend and complete Scoop U Training for managers to Ben & Jerry's satisfaction. Ben & Jerry's may charge a fee for this training.
The franchisee is responsible for all expenses incurred by the manager in connection with Scoop U Training, including transportation, lodging, meals, and wages. The FDD states that trainees will not receive compensation from Ben & Jerry's for work performed during Scoop U Training or other training programs.
The FDD also states that the franchisee must maintain a competent, conscientious, trained staff, including a fully-trained manager for each Scoop Shop. The franchisee will use the system designed by Ben & Jerry's for training employees.