What training program must a manager of a Ben Jerrys franchise complete to the franchisor's satisfaction?
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 of a Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop must attend and complete Scoop U Training to the franchisor's satisfaction. This requirement applies if the franchisee or an owner approved by Ben & Jerry's will not be the on-premises supervisor of the Scoop Shop on a full-time basis. Ben & Jerry's may also require any subsequently employed manager to complete Scoop U Training for managers, potentially charging a fee for this additional training.
In addition to the pre-opening training, Ben & Jerry's may require managers to attend additional courses, seminars, and other training programs as deemed necessary. These training programs will be held at locations designated by Ben & Jerry's, which may include Vermont. The franchisee is responsible for all expenses related to this training, including transportation, lodging, meals, and wages for the manager.
Franchisees should note that Scoop U Training is designed to protect the Ben & Jerry's brand and reputation, rather than to control the day-to-day operations of the Scoop Shop. This highlights the importance Ben & Jerry's places on maintaining consistent brand standards across all franchise locations. The training requirements ensure that managers are well-versed in the System's standards, specifications, and procedures for operations.