Since what year has Ben Jerrys Homemade, Inc. been in the ice cream business?
Ben_Jerrys Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Ben & Jerry's Franchising, Inc. ("Franchisor," "we" or "us") is a Vermont corporation that was incorporated on December 3, 1997. We maintain our principal place of business at 530 Community Drive, Suite 1, South Burlington, Vermont 05403-6828. Our agents for service of process are listed in Exhibit O.
We are a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc. ("Homemade" or "Parent" or "Predecessor"), a Vermont corporation that was incorporated on December 16, 1977. Homemade also maintains its offices at 530 Community Drive, Suite 1, South Burlington, Vermont 05403-6828. Homemade has been in the ice cream business since 1978. As described below, Homemade is our Predecessor, and we acquired our rights to the System (as defined below) from Homemade.
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 Homemade, Inc. has been in the ice cream business since 1978. Ben & Jerry's Franchising, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc., which is also referred to as the Parent or Predecessor.
For a prospective franchisee, this indicates that the Ben Jerrys brand has a long history in the ice cream market. This extensive experience could translate to a well-established brand, refined operational procedures, and potentially a strong customer base.
It is important to note that while Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc. has this history, Ben & Jerry's Franchising, Inc. was incorporated later, in 1997, and became the franchisor in 2000. Therefore, the franchising entity has a shorter, though still substantial, track record.