Baskin-Robbins Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Baskin-Robbins, a leader in the ice cream industry, was founded in 1945. Ice cream lovers Irv Robbins and Burt Baskin, based in Glendale, California, created the brand after serving in the military.
Their partnership led to the creation of a family-friendly ice cream chain. The Baskin-Robbins name came from a coin toss, favoring Burt Baskin. The company, now headquartered in Canton, MA, began franchising on May 20, 1948, marking a key moment in its growth.
Baskin-Robbins is known for innovation, offering over 1,000 flavors to cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs. Its adaptability earned it recognition as the #1 ice cream franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2021.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Baskin-Robbins franchise? It costs on average between $307,000 – $623,000 to start a Baskin-Robbins franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $25,000 |
| Real Estate Development | $123,000 to $267,000 |
| Equipment, Fixtures and Signs | $115,000 to $185,000 |
| Restaurant Technology System | $15,000 to $29,500 |
| Licenses, Permits, Fees and Deposits | $7,000 to $20,000 |
| Opening Inventory | $5,000 to $8,000 |
| Miscellaneous Opening Costs | $9,500 to $28,000 |
| Uniforms | $400 to $800 |
| Insurance | $3,500 to $8,300 |
| Travel and Living Expenses While Training | $1,000 to $15,000 |
| Marketing Start-Up Fee | $3,000 to $6,000 |
| Additional Funds for First 3 Months | $0 to $30,000 |
| Total | $307,400 to $622,600 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Baskin-Robbins franchise? A Baskin-Robbins franchised restaurant makes on average $521,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $469,000 yearly revenue for similar ice cream franchises. Below are 10 Baskin-Robbins competitors as a comparison:
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Baskin-Robbins Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Baskin-Robbins locations are there?
As of the latest data, the brand operates a total of 976 units, all of which are franchised. There are no company-owned locations, making Baskin-Robbins a fully franchised system.
What is the total investment required to open a Baskin-Robbins franchise?
The total investment required to open a Baskin-Robbins franchise ranges from $307,000 to $623,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Baskin-Robbins franchise?
For a Baskin-Robbins franchise, ongoing fees include a royalty fee of 5.9% of gross sales. This fee ensures franchisees receive continued support from the franchisor, including operational guidance and brand consistency.
Additionally, franchisees are required to pay a marketing or advertising fee of 5% of gross sales. This fee supports regional and national advertising campaigns designed to boost brand awareness and drive traffic to all Baskin-Robbins locations.
What are the financial requirements to become a Baskin-Robbins franchisee?
To become a Baskin-Robbins franchisee, you must meet a minimum net worth of $250,000, ensuring that potential franchisees have sufficient overall financial backing.
Additionally, candidates must have at least $125,000 in liquid assets, which reflects the need for readily available funds to cover the initial investment, operational costs, and any unforeseen expenses.
These financial prerequisites help ensure that franchisees can maintain the financial stability necessary to operate a successful Baskin-Robbins franchise.
How much can a Baskin-Robbins franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Baskin-Robbins franchise are approximately $0.52 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.52 million yearly revenue can result in $78,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Baskin-Robbins?
Baskin-Robbins is owned by Inspire Brands, a major multi-brand restaurant company. Inspire Brands acquired Baskin-Robbins, along with Dunkin’ Donuts, in December 2020.
The acquisition was part of a deal valued at approximately $11.3 billion. Inspire Brands owns several other well-known restaurant chains, including Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic Drive-In, and Jimmy John’s, making it one of the largest restaurant companies in the world.
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