Baskin-Robbins operate a global network of franchised ice cream restaurants. Known for having 31 flavour options at each location, the chain also offers ice cream cakes for various occasions. The famous “31 flavours” slogan came from the idea of being able to have a different flavour on every day of the month, although these days, they have over 1,000 flavours in their ice box.Â
Baskin-Robbins was started in Glendale, California, in 1945. It launched its international division in the 1970’s and they now operate more than 7,800 locations in over 50 countries worldwide.Â
Baskin-Robbins at a glance:
If you have a net worth of £200,000, liquid assets of at least £100,000, and you can meet the start-up costs (see below), there are few restrictions to opening a Baskin-Robbins franchise. New franchisees are required to undergo a three-weeks training session. This includes technical training onsite at store locations, learning their online systems, and skill building. Training involves 40 to 50 hours on-site tuition and 80-100 classroom hours, and costs £1,500 per individual.
Baskin-Robbins do not demand that franchisees are on-premises to manage the day to day running of the restaurant, but in the early stages, you should expect to do so. As the business grows, you can appoint an on-premises manager, but they must also be trained in accordance with Baskin-Robbins training requirements.Â
Depending on location, size and type of your store, the size of your retail team, and many other variable cost factors, opening a new Baskins-Robbins franchise could cost from £100,000 up to £650,000.Â
After opening, expect to pay continuing fees and charges, including:
Your loan details
This calculator is intended for illustration purposes only and exact payment terms should be agreed with a lender before taking out a loan.
Your results
Monthly payments
£-
Avg. monthly interest
£-
Total interest
£-
Total cost of finance
£-
| Key Costs Guide | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | £11,500 | £11,5000 |
| Real estate development (build-out) | £125,000 | £250,000 |
| Equipment, fixtures, signage | £115,000 | £200,000 |
| Restaurant technology system | £1,500 | £15,000 |
| Licenses, fees, permits | £7,000 | £20,000 |
| Opening inventory | £5,000 | £8,000 |
| Marketing start-up fee | £3,000 | £8,000 |
| Miscellaneous opening costs | £10,000 | £30,000 |
According to external research, the average cost of setting up a new Baskin-Robbins franchise is £468,000, which is modest for modern-day franchises. However, the average turnover per store is £289,000 and the average profit (before taxes and depreciation) is £44,000 (15%), so it will take a few years to recoup your initial investment. Also keep in mind that many different factors, such as location, opening hours, site costs, and marketing success, will determine if your store makes money or not.Â
Baskin-Robbins has a closure rate of approximately 4%. How many of these locations closed because of financial failure is unknown, but on average, it takes 10 years to recover your initial start-up costs.Â
Baskin-Robbins is one of the most popular ice-cream franchises in the UK, and ice cream is the most popular frozen dairy product. Come rain or shine, even through the winter, people will always consume it. Baskin-Robbins is also a franchise that you can obtain without huge investment, and they operate a robust delivery and take-out system that helped franchisees during the COVID-19 pandemic. But remember the time it takes to recover your initial investment and be aware that according to recent trends, when you go to sell your B+R franchise, it will sell at a loss. Â
Franchisees are granted the right to operate one restaurant at a specific location that is specified in the Franchise Agreement. Franchisees do not receive any additional rights, any minimum territory, or other protected rights.
Obtaining a Baskin-Robbins franchise means passing their initial preview and qualification tests. This will cover things like your knowledge of and passion for the brand, your management and marketing skills, any food industry experience, your business track record, etc.
If you pass the qualification tests, next do your own market research. This would include an assessment of the competition in your selected operating area, and the potential for sales and growth, (calculate the likely footfall and how many sales you could make per day and how that could be expanded). If this all adds up, you should explore your franchise funding options, and make sure you meet the minimum net worth and liquidity levels.Â
If you’re still in the hunt after this, the next step is to complete a formal application. You can start the process at the Baskin-Robbins corporate website.
Starting a new franchise can be an exciting opportunity, but it’s easy to get lost in a maze of business loan applications that can make funding your new ice-cream store a messy business. Instead, cut out the hassle and cut to the chase. Swoop has the best lenders for the best franchises across the UK. Just tell us what you need and leave the rest to us.
Daire made it happen! There is no doubt that Swoop sped up the process and found lenders that worked to our time scale rather than the other way round
Joint owner, F45 Virginia
Swoop was actually very helpful in helping us get our initial fundraising in place. Swoop was able to connect us with investors, with grant financing options and debt financing options.
Founder, SingleKey
Pedja was amazing. Super supportive, understanding of our needs and wasn't pushy at all. We've been going back and forth with Swoop for over a year inquiring about different financing options and they were patient until we were ready!
F45 Multi-studio owner
Written by
Chris is a freelance copywriter and content creator. He has been active in the marketing, advertising, and publishing industries for more than twenty-five years. Writing for Barclays Bank, Metro Bank, Wells Fargo, ABN Amro, Quidco, Legal and General, Inshur Zego, AIG, Met Life, State Farm, Direct Line, insurers and pension funds, his words have appeared online and in print to inform, entertain and explain the complex world of consumer and business finance and insurance.
Swoop promise
At Swoop we want to make it easy for SMEs to understand the sometimes overwhelming world of business finance and insurance. Our goal is simple – to distill complex topics, unravel jargon, offer transparent and impartial information, and empower businesses to make smart financial decisions with confidence.
Find out more about Swoop’s editorial principles by reading our editorial policy.
We work with world class partners to help us support businesses with finance
UK
IRE
AU
CA
US
ZA
NG
yet? Register here!