Baskin-Robbins
Financial Plan
Liquid capital
The amount you need to secure the necessary loans.
Total investment
Total Investment to launch the business, including initial fees ($25,000)
The Concept
Baskin-Robbins was founded in 1945 in Glendale, California, by brothers-in-law Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins. The brand became known for its wide variety of ice cream flavors, represented by its iconic “31” concept. Its menu has expanded beyond scooped ice cream to include ice cream cakes, frozen desserts, specialty beverages, and seasonal products.
The company operates a franchised business model and is part of Inspire Brands. Franchisees benefit from established brand recognition, product development, marketing resources, operational guidance, and technology systems. Depending on the market and property, available store formats include freestanding locations, end-cap units, inline shops, and smaller drive-through concepts.
Baskin-Robbins is positioned for entrepreneurs interested in a recognizable dessert brand with multiple potential site formats. Prospective owners should assess the local market, property costs, seasonality, staffing needs, and whether a single unit or multi-unit development arrangement is appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a Baskin-Robbins franchise?
The current official franchise page lists a total estimated initial investment of $307,400 to $626,700. The exact amount depends on the selected store format, real estate, construction, equipment, and other opening expenses.
The $25,000 initial franchise fee is only one component of that investment. Prospective owners should also budget for inventory, employee training, insurance, lease-related costs, and working capital.
Baskin-Robbins offers multiple store formats, which may affect the investment required. Before choosing a location, candidates should request the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and review the investment breakdown in Item 7.
What financial qualifications are required?
Baskin-Robbins lists a minimum of $100,000 in liquid assets and a minimum net worth of $200,000 for prospective franchisees. These are qualification thresholds, not guarantees of financing or approval.
Liquid assets are funds that can be readily accessed to support the investment and business operations. Net worth represents the broader financial position of the applicant, including assets and liabilities.
Applicants should also prepare a realistic cash-flow forecast covering opening costs and the period before the shop reaches sustainable sales. The franchisor can confirm any additional requirements for multi-unit development or purchasing an existing location.
What ongoing fees does a franchisee pay?
The published standard royalty fee is 5.9% of gross sales, and the advertising fee is 5% of gross sales. These recurring charges need to be included in the financial projections alongside rent, payroll, supplies, utilities, and insurance.
For example, a shop generating $600,000 in annual gross sales would incur $35,400 in royalties and $30,000 in advertising fees at those rates, before other operating expenses.
The actual profitability of a store will depend on its sales volume, labor costs, occupancy costs, food costs, and management. Candidates should verify all recurring charges and any other fees in the current FDD rather than relying exclusively on the headline percentages.
Does Baskin-Robbins offer franchisee training and support?
Inspire Brands identifies training, operational best practices, real estate assistance, construction guidance, marketing, technology, and supply-chain resources among the support available to franchisees.
These services can help new owners learn the operating system and implement the brand’s standards. Marketing programs and digital tools may also help franchisees reach local customers and encourage repeat visits.
Prospective owners should ask the franchisor about the duration and location of initial training, who must attend, ongoing coaching, and any costs that are not included in the initial investment estimate. They should also speak with current franchisees about the practical value of the support.
How many locations does Baskin-Robbins operate, and what revenue can owners expect?
The company reports more than 7,800 shops worldwide on its current franchising website. Its U.S. franchise disclosure information reported 2,245 franchised restaurants at the end of 2024, including combination restaurants with Dunkin’.
These figures demonstrate the scale of the network but do not establish the sales potential of a new shop. Location, competition, customer traffic, store format, local demographics, and operating hours can all affect performance.
A reliable average annual revenue figure should be taken from the current FDD’s Item 19, where available. Prospective owners should compare the relevant outlet type and reporting period and should not treat systemwide location counts or brand recognition as evidence of guaranteed profitability.
