Baskin Robbins now serving up franchise opportunities

Global ice-cream brand Baskin Robbins has announced it is offering single-store franchises across the UK, as it prepares for a programme of nationwide expansion.

It marks the first time the global chain has opened up single-store franchise opportunities in the UK, adding to its existing networks in Canada, Russia, the USA, Dubai and elsewhere.

Baskin Robbins said the franchises were available for a total launch cost of £150,000, of which 50% would normally be funded by a high-street bank – meaning entrepreneurs would need around £75,000 liquid capital to open a branch.

The cost includes training for staff, turnover forecasts and dedicated sales and marketing support.

Each franchisee will also be allocated a dedicated support manager to help choose a location for the new store.

The company said the single-store opportunities would give Baskin Robbins the opportunity to see how the franchisee operates their store, potentially providing them with the assistance to open a multi-store franchise in the future.

Founded in Massachusetts, USA, in 1945, Baskin Robbins is one of the world’s leading ice cream brands, selling a range of frozen snacks from around 6,700 stores across 50 countries.

In a statement, Jim Johnstone, general manager at Baskin Robbins UK, said: “We have a great team here in the UK who are dedicated to helping franchisees grow their sales and profitability – and with the introduction of our single-store franchises we are opening up the market to so many more people.

“Baskin Robbins has just been listed 17^th in the top 100 global franchises by Franchise Direct. The list details the franchises which are performing best on an international level and we have beaten all other ice-cream franchises this year, as well as rising 5 places on last year.”