Baskin-Robbins

Baskin Robbins is a globally recognized ice cream and cake specialty shop chain with roots dating to 1945, when Irv Robbins opened Snowbird Ice Cream in Glendale, California, offering 21 flavors. His brother in law, Burt Baskin, opened Burton's Ice Cream Shop in 1946. Their businesses had grown to six stores by 1948 and more than 40 by 1949. In 1953, the companies merged as Baskin Robbins 31 Ice Cream, creating the 31 flavors concept, with a different flavor for each day of the month. As of 2024, Baskin Robbins had more than 7,800 locations worldwide in over 50 countries. Other reported figures show more than 7,900 locations in 52 countries and more than 8,000 franchises in 50 countries. In the United States, the brand reported 978 open franchises and 976 total franchised units in 2025. It operates entirely through franchised locations with no company owned units, although specific franchise data reports a current total of 636 franchised units. The broader ice cream market is projected to reach $147.74 billion. PeerSense reviews these figures as an independent franchise intelligence analyst, focusing on market position, operations and financial viability rather than marketing claims. PeerSense is a commercial capital advisory firm that introduces franchise buyers to SBA and conventional lenders and is not a lender.

Worldwide, the broader ice cream market is projected to reach $147.74 billion. Demand is supported by consumer interest in indulgent treats, established brands such as Baskin Robbins and convenient limited service restaurant formats. Baskin Robbins focuses on suburban communities and shopping centers with median household incomes above $50,000, population densities above 2,500 per square mile and a significant presence of families with children. Consumer spending on accessible luxuries and interest in community centered establishments support the dessert category. The broader food service sector is fragmented, while the ice cream market benefits from brand loyalty. Baskin Robbins has decades of brand equity and the 31 flavors concept. The category also benefits from demand for enjoyment and comfort foods, giving the concept broad consumer appeal and a long operating history.

Opening a Baskin Robbins franchise requires a $25,000 initial franchise fee, payable when the franchise agreement is signed. Reported total initial investment ranges include $307,440 to $657,860, $307,000 to $623,000 and $293,840 to $626,360. For new locations, reported investment ranges from $94,350 to $402,200, depending on the format and build out requirements. The investment includes equipment, build out, leasehold improvements and working capital. Technology fees range from $1,440 to $15,000, while opening inventory generally costs $5,000 to $8,000. Baskin Robbins requires $300,000 in net worth and $100,000 in liquid capital. Buyers of an existing store need liquidity equal to 30% of the total selling price plus remodeling costs. This requirement matters because of the investment level and possible seasonal changes in dessert revenue. Baskin Robbins is a subsidiary of Inspire Brands, one of the largest restaurant groups globally. New franchisees may receive reduced royalties for the first 36 months, including 2.9% in year one, 3.9% in year two and 4.9% in year three. Some reports show lower rates for the first five years, beginning at 0% in year one, 1.9% in year two, 2.9% in year three, 3.9% in year four and 4.9% in year five. Capital contributions can reach $75,000 for a single restaurant and $95,000 or more for multiple restaurant developments. Other incentives include equipment credits of $31,000, store refresh funds of $5,000 and store remodel funds of $20,000. Honorably discharged veterans can receive a 10 year payment plan for the initial franchise fee and reduced royalties during the first three years.

The operating model centers on frozen dessert service and limited service restaurant management. Daily work includes customer service, product preparation and store upkeep, although specific staffing requirements are not stated. Available formats include traditional shops, co branded locations with sibling brand Dunkin' and non traditional venues in airports, casinos and stadiums. Initial training includes 85 to 90 hours of classroom instruction and 35 to 40 hours of hands on restaurant training. Classroom instruction includes 25 to 30 hours covering dessert operations fundamentals, 40 hours on franchisee business fundamentals and 20 hours on general restaurant operations. Applied training includes 15 to 20 hours of dessert operations and 20 hours of general restaurant operations. The 10 day program costs $1,500 per attendee. After startup, online modules cover business management and dessert operations. Ongoing assistance includes marketing support, operational guidance, dedicated account managers and access to qualified head office staff. Quarterly franchisee meetings support networking, sharing practices and communication across the system. Franchisees receive a territory map showing market potential and exclusivity rights. Preferred locations include suburban communities and shopping centers with median household incomes above $50,000, population densities above 2,500 per square mile and many families with children. Stronger performing units generally occupy 800 to 1,200 square feet in visible retail corridors with ample parking and strong evening and weekend traffic. Multi unit development is encouraged, as shown by capital contributions of $95,000 or more for multiple restaurant developments.

Public reports and information from the 2025 FDD still provide unit level reference points. Location, operating efficiency, local demographics and management may help explain the difference between stronger and weaker units.

Baskin Robbins has expanded to more than 7,800 locations worldwide as of 2024, in over 50 countries. Other reported totals include more than 7,900 locations in 52 countries and more than 8,000 franchises in 50 countries. In the United States, the brand reported 978 open franchises and 976 total franchised units in 2025, while the provided franchise data lists 636 total units. In April 2023, Baskin Robbins announced plans to add 100 ice cream parlors in India and pursue double digit sales growth mainly through franchise partnerships. Graviss Foods Pvt Ltd manages Baskin Robbins in India and the SAARC region. It expected to open its 1,000th Baskin Robbins store in 2024 and already operated in more than 250 cities with over 900 stores. In Canada, Baskin Robbins signed its largest franchise development agreement in 51 years in August 2022, covering 25 new shops in Metro Vancouver and Calgary. Those plans added to 107 existing shops in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec and Manitoba, managed by nearly 80 franchisees. In the United States, targeted expansion states include Arizona, California, Kansas, South Carolina and Texas. The brand's competitive position draws on its founding in 1945, the 31 flavors concept and a business model refined over many years. As part of Inspire Brands, Baskin Robbins has access to corporate scale, resources and strategic guidance, including supply chain capabilities, marketing reach and product innovation. Co branded shops with Dunkin', non traditional venues, digital transformation and delivery integration are part of its efforts to serve current customers.

A prospective Baskin Robbins franchisee needs a $300,000 net worth and $100,000 in liquid capital, along with the ability to manage operations. Specific prior industry experience is not required. The training program covers dessert operations fundamentals, franchisee business fundamentals and general restaurant operations, helping new owners build the required knowledge. The brand encourages multi unit development and offers capital contributions of $95,000 or more to franchisees developing multiple restaurants. U.S. expansion targets include Arizona, California, Kansas, South Carolina and Texas, while international expansion is active in India and Canada. Preferred sites are suburban communities and shopping centers with median household incomes above $50,000, population densities above 2,500 per square mile and a significant presence of families with children. Stronger units generally operate in visible retail corridors with ample parking and strong evening and weekend traffic. The preferred store footprint is 800 to 1,200 square feet. The exact period from signing the franchise agreement to opening is not stated, though the 10 day training program provides a defined onboarding structure.

A Baskin Robbins franchise merits detailed review for buyers considering an established brand in the frozen dessert category. The brand dates to 1945, uses the 31 flavors concept and reports a global footprint of more than 7,800 locations. Training, ongoing operational and marketing assistance, reduced royalty programs and capital contributions for multi unit development are part of the franchise offering. These figures should be evaluated alongside the investment range, local market conditions, financing needs and the costs of operating a specific store. PeerSense provides independent franchise intelligence data, including SBA lending history, a Loan Activity Score, location maps with Google ratings, FDD financial data and side by side comparison tools. Buyers can review the complete Baskin Robbins franchise profile on PeerSense as part of their due diligence.