What are the permitted uses for a Ben Jerrys Authorized Warehouse?
Ben_Jerrys Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In association with your Shop, you may be permitted to establish a warehouse in which to store Ben & Jerry's ice cream catering and other products for Off-Premises Activities and Mobile Vending (an "Authorized Warehouse") through a "Warehouse Addendum" (Exhibit G to this Disclosure Document). If you are permitted by us to have an Authorized Warehouse, the Authorized Warehouse will be located at the location specified in the Warehouse Addendum. The Warehouse Addendum may only be used for the following purposes: Warehouse, warehouse for Products and other products, storage of catering supplies, general storage space, office space, parking for cart(s) and truck(s), and such other uses as we may specify in the Manual, or otherwise approve in writing.
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, an Authorized Warehouse, established through a Warehouse Addendum, can be used for specific purposes related to supporting a Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop. The permitted uses include serving as a warehouse for Ben & Jerry's Products and other products, storage of catering supplies, general storage space, office space, and parking for carts and trucks used for off-premises activities and mobile vending. Any other uses must be specified in the Manual or approved in writing by Ben Jerrys.
This means that a Ben Jerrys franchisee who is permitted to have an Authorized Warehouse can use it as a central location to manage inventory for catering events and mobile vending operations, as well as to store necessary supplies and equipment. The warehouse can also serve as an administrative office and a parking area for vehicles used in these activities. The specific location of the Authorized Warehouse must be specified in the Warehouse Addendum.
It is important to note that the use of an Authorized Warehouse is not automatically granted; it requires permission from Ben Jerrys and is formalized through a Warehouse Addendum. This addendum is an exhibit to the Franchise Disclosure Document. Franchisees should carefully review the terms of the Warehouse Addendum and the Manual to fully understand the permitted uses and any restrictions associated with the Authorized Warehouse. Franchisees should also seek written approval from Ben Jerrys for any uses beyond those explicitly listed to ensure compliance with the franchise agreement.