What training program must a manager complete to assist a Ben Jerrys franchisee?
Ben_Jerrys Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 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. OPERATOR acknowledges that Scoop U Training is designed to protect the BEN & JERRY'S brand and reputation, and is not designed to control the day-to-day operation of the Scoop Shop.
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, a manager must complete Scoop U Training to assist a franchisee. Before the Scoop Shop opens, either the franchisee or an owner approved by Ben & Jerry's, or the operator's manager (if the operator or owner will not be the on-premises supervisor) must attend and complete Scoop U Training to Ben & Jerry's satisfaction. If the franchisee is an individual who will not manage the Scoop Shop personally, Ben & Jerry's may require the franchisee to attend and complete initial training as determined by Ben & Jerry's.
Ben & Jerry's may also require any subsequently employed manager to attend and complete Scoop U Training for managers, and Ben & Jerry's may charge a fee for this training. The franchisee, the manager, and other employees may also be required to attend additional courses, seminars, and other training programs as Ben & Jerry's may require from time to time. Every five years, the franchisee must attend additional training programs, regardless of the number of shops they operate.
All training programs will be at times designated by Ben & Jerry's and provided in Vermont or other locations Ben & Jerry's designates. The franchisee may be required to pay a fee to Ben & Jerry's or designated trainers for training courses, seminars, and programs after the pre-opening training. The franchisee or its employees are responsible for all expenses related to Scoop U Training and other training, including transportation, lodging, meals, and wages. Trainees will not receive compensation from Ben & Jerry's for work performed during training. Scoop U Training is designed to protect the Ben & Jerry's brand and reputation and is not designed to control the day-to-day operation of the Scoop Shop.