What Are Alternative Franchise Chains to Ben & Jerry's Franchise
Considering alternatives to a Ben & Jerry's franchise? If you're looking for a sweet business venture beyond premium ice cream, exploring other popular dessert and treat franchises can offer exciting opportunities. Discover how different concepts can align with your entrepreneurial goals and financial projections, perhaps even finding a more suitable fit than your initial idea. For those still keen on understanding the financial landscape of such an endeavor, our Ben & Jerry's Franchise Business Plan Template can provide valuable insights into the investment and operational considerations, even as you explore other avenues.
| # | Alternative Franchise Chain Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Häagen-Dazs | Häagen-Dazs offers a global reputation for super-premium ice cream, leveraging 60 years of brand equity for a luxury dessert experience. Its versatile business model accommodates various formats, from scoop shops to kiosks, and benefits from the brand's extensive retail presence in grocery stores. |
| 2 | Handel's Homemade Ice Cream | Handel's Homemade Ice Cream is a fast-growing, premium brand known for its unique 'made fresh daily', on-site production model. With explosive growth and strong unit volumes, it offers investors a compelling, operationally simple franchise focused on product quality. |
| 3 | Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard | Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard uniquely combines Italian ice, frozen custard, and other treats, broadening its market appeal beyond traditional ice cream. With over 35 years of history, it offers a well-established system, strong brand recognition, and flexible unit options, including mobile carts for lower entry costs. |
Key Takeaways
- The US ice cream store market is valued at approximately $52 billion as of early 2025, with over 16,000 locations nationwide.
- Beyond Ben & Jerry's, other prominent ice cream franchise opportunities include Baskin-Robbins, Cold Stone Creamery, Häagen-Dazs, and Handel's Homemade Ice Cream.
- Investment levels for ice cream franchises vary significantly, with Ben & Jerry's typically ranging from $205,800 to $579,300, while options like Kona Ice can start around $155,750.
- Typical franchise requirements include a minimum net worth of around $350,000 and at least $100,000 in liquid capital, along with business management experience.
- A strong ice cream franchise business model is characterized by brand recognition, franchisee support, diversified revenue streams (catering, delivery), and scalability for multi-unit ownership.
What Alternative Ben & Jerry's Franchise Unit Franchise Options Exist?
When exploring franchise opportunities in the ice cream sector, it's beneficial to understand the landscape beyond a single brand. Several well-established ice cream business franchise opportunities offer different models and market positions. These include brands like Baskin-Robbins, Cold Stone Creamery, Häagen-Dazs, and Handel's Homemade Ice Cream. As of early 2025, the U.S. ice cream store market is a significant industry, valued at approximately $52 billion, with over 16,000 locations nationwide. This indicates a robust market with room for various players.
Conducting a Ben & Jerry's franchise comparison often leads entrepreneurs to discover the diverse market. For instance, Baskin-Robbins boasts over 2,400 U.S. locations. In contrast, Handel's Homemade Ice Cream, a brand experiencing rapid growth, is projected to surpass 150 units by the end of 2025. Many aspiring franchisees explore these franchising options besides Ben & Jerry's to identify the best fit for their local market demands and personal investment capacity. Understanding the specifics of each franchise, such as initial investment ranging from $155,900 to $549,300 for a Ben & Jerry's unit, helps in this comparison.
The quest for ice cream franchise alternatives also extends to concepts specializing in unique frozen treats. Brands focusing on frozen custard, such as Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, and gelato, like Gelatissimo, are also popular choices. These niche segments are projected to capture a 4-5% market share growth within the broader dessert sector in 2025, showcasing a growing consumer appetite for specialized offerings.
What are the top dessert franchise opportunities?
Beyond traditional ice cream shops, the broader dessert franchise opportunities in 2025 present a dynamic and high-growth market. Concepts like Crumbl Cookies and Nothing Bundt Cakes are prominent examples of alternative franchise business ideas that have gained significant traction. The specialty dessert market itself is anticipated to grow by 6% in 2025, a rate that outpaces the general food service industry. This suggests strong potential for businesses that cater to specific dessert cravings.
When potential franchisees consider a Ben & Jerry's Franchise Unit, they often broaden their evaluation to include these adjacent dessert categories. For example, Crumbl Cookies reported impressive system-wide sales exceeding $1 billion in 2024, a testament to the significant revenue potential within a focused dessert niche. This highlights how a specialized product can achieve substantial market penetration.
The appeal of these alternative dessert franchises frequently lies in their potentially simpler operational structures and strong, recognizable brand identities. A brand like Nothing Bundt Cakes, for instance, is projected to have over 550 locations by mid-2025. This model often offers a more streamlined operation, potentially requiring lower staffing levels compared to a full-service ice cream scoop shop, which can be a key consideration for many entrepreneurs.
Key Considerations for Ice Cream Franchise Alternatives
- Market Research: Thoroughly research local demand for various dessert types.
- Investment Alignment: Ensure the franchise's initial investment and ongoing fees align with your financial capacity. The initial franchise fee for a Ben & Jerry's unit is $39,500, with royalty fees at 5% and marketing fees at 4%.
- Operational Simplicity: Evaluate the complexity of operations, staffing needs, and supply chain for each franchise model.
- Brand Strength: Assess the brand's recognition, customer loyalty, and competitive positioning in the market.
- Growth Potential: Consider the brand's expansion plans and its track record in supporting franchisee growth.
For those interested in understanding the specific financial and operational aspects of one popular option, exploring What are the Pros and Cons of Owning a Ben & Jerry's Franchise? can provide valuable comparative data. This includes understanding benchmarks like the median annual revenue per unit, which can be around $585,373, and breakeven times that can be as short as 12 months.
What Are The Investment Level Alternatives?
When considering an ice cream franchise, understanding the spectrum of investment is crucial for making an informed decision. Different brands offer varying entry points, catering to a range of financial capacities and strategic goals. This allows aspiring entrepreneurs to explore various ice cream franchise alternatives that align with their capital and vision.
What are the typical ice cream shop franchise costs?
The investment required for an ice cream franchise can vary significantly. For instance, a typical Ben & Jerry's Franchise Unit in 2025 might require an initial investment ranging from $205,800 to $579,300. This broad range accounts for factors like location, size, and build-out requirements. To compare, other established ice cream franchises present different investment tiers. A Baskin-Robbins franchise, for example, can have an estimated total initial investment between $95,000 and $625,000 for 2025. Similarly, investing in a Cold Stone Creamery franchise in 2025 could range from $57,200 to $625,925. These figures generally encompass the initial franchise fee, which for Ben & Jerry's is between $18,500 and $39,500, along with costs for construction, equipment, and initial inventory. The average build-out cost for an ice cream parlor in 2025 is projected to be between $150 to $200 per square foot.
Are there any low cost ice cream franchise options?
Yes, there are indeed low-cost ice cream franchise options available, often found in mobile or kiosk formats. These models significantly lower the barrier to entry for those looking to enter the ice cream business franchise opportunities. For example, ice cream truck franchise opportunities, such as those offered by Kona Ice, present a more accessible entry point. Their estimated total investment for 2025 is between $155,750 and $191,550. For entrepreneurs interested in independent ice cream franchise options or seeking lower-cost entry points, non-traditional formats are worth exploring. A Ben & Jerry's kiosk or co-branding setup, for instance, has a lower investment range, starting around $120,000, compared to a full scoop shop. This offers a different avenue for those wanting to be part of a recognized brand. Other brands, like Frios Gourmet Pops, offer investment levels starting under $100,000 for their 'Sweet Ride' van model, making it a more accessible path to owning a profitable ice cream franchise business for individuals with limited capital. Exploring these types of franchises can be a great way to start your journey into the dessert franchise opportunities sector. For those curious about the specifics of launching a known brand, learning How to Start a Ben & Jerry's Franchise in 7 Steps: Checklist can provide valuable insights.
Tips for Evaluating Investment Levels
- Compare the Full Investment: Always look beyond the initial franchise fee to understand the total capital needed, including build-out, equipment, and working capital.
- Consider Different Models: Mobile or kiosk franchises often require less upfront capital than traditional brick-and-mortar stores.
- Analyze ROI Potential: Research the average revenue and profitability of existing franchisees to gauge the return on investment for various ice cream franchise business models.
When you compare Ben & Jerry's to other ice cream franchises, it's essential to weigh the total investment against the potential returns and brand recognition. Understanding these investment level alternatives is a key step in your ice cream franchise investment guide.
How To Start An Ice Cream Franchise?
What are the ice cream parlor franchise requirements?
When considering how to start an ice cream franchise, understanding the requirements is crucial. For a brand like the one discussed in How Does Ben & Jerry's Franchise Work?, typical requirements for 2025 include a minimum net worth of around $350,000 and at least $100,000 in liquid capital. These financial prerequisites are common across many of the best ice cream franchises.
Beyond the financial aspects, franchisors often seek candidates with a solid background in business management or retail operations. The application process typically involves an initial inquiry, thorough financial verification, a detailed review of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), and a mandatory 'discovery day' at the corporate headquarters.
To successfully launch your ice cream shop franchise, securing a suitable location is key. This usually means a high-traffic retail space ranging from 800 to 1,200 square feet. Furthermore, you'll need to complete the franchisor's comprehensive training program, which typically lasts between 10-14 days.
What defines a good ice cream franchise business model?
A strong ice cream franchise business model is built on several pillars: robust brand recognition, comprehensive franchisee support, and diversified revenue streams. These can include catering, delivery services, and merchandise sales. In 2025, digital sales, encompassing online ordering and third-party delivery, are expected to contribute significantly, accounting for 15-20% of revenue for leading franchises.
A clear path to profitability is also essential. Analyzing Item 19 from the 2025 FDDs for successful ice cream franchises to invest in often reveals average gross profit margins of 55-65% before considering labor and occupancy costs. This indicates strong potential for profitable ice cream franchise business operations.
Scalability is another critical factor. The best business models offer a framework that supports multi-unit ownership. It's estimated that approximately 40% of new franchise units opened in 2025 are by existing franchisees within the same system, highlighting the viability of expansion.
Tips for Choosing an Ice Cream Franchise
- Analyze the FDD thoroughly: Pay close attention to Item 19 for financial performance representations and Item 20 for unit statistics.
- Network with existing franchisees: Gain firsthand insights into operational challenges and successes.
- Consider your market: Research demand for ice cream and analyze local competition for your chosen ice cream franchise alternatives.
- Evaluate franchisor support: Ensure they provide adequate marketing, training, and operational assistance.
When exploring ice cream franchise alternatives, it's important to compare different brands. The initial investment for an ice cream franchise can range significantly, from approximately $155,900 to over $549,300. This includes an initial franchise fee that can be around $39,500. Ongoing fees typically include a royalty fee of about 5% and a marketing fee of around 4% of gross sales.
The cash required to start an ice cream business franchise opportunity often falls between $50,000 and $75,000, with net worth requirements ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. Understanding these figures is key for anyone considering investing in an ice cream franchise.
Average annual revenue per unit can vary widely, with some units reporting as low as $99,650 and others reaching over $2.3 million. The median annual revenue is reported at $585,373. Many new franchisees can expect to reach breakeven within 12 months and see an investment payback within 19 months.
For those looking into franchising options besides Ben & Jerry's, it's beneficial to research other dessert franchise opportunities and independent ice cream franchise options. Comparing Ben & Jerry's to other ice cream franchises involves looking at their unique selling propositions, market penetration, and franchisee support systems.
Alternative Franchise Chain: Baskin-Robbins
How does Baskin-Robbins compare to a Ben & Jerry's Franchise Unit?
When considering alternative franchise opportunities in the ice cream sector, Baskin-Robbins presents a distinct profile compared to a Ben & Jerry's franchise. Baskin-Robbins, with its iconic '31 flavors' concept, aims for broad family appeal by offering a wide variety of traditional and innovative ice cream flavors. This contrasts with Ben & Jerry's, which often targets a younger demographic with its socially conscious branding and unique, chunky flavor combinations. Understanding these differences is crucial for aspiring franchisees looking to align with a brand's ethos and customer base.
The financial commitment can also vary significantly. For 2025, the initial investment for a Baskin-Robbins franchise can start lower, with non-traditional locations requiring approximately $95,000. This is notably different from Ben & Jerry's, where a traditional scoop shop can begin at over $200,000. Baskin-Robbins' ongoing royalty fee is set at 5.9% of gross sales. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking a potentially lower entry cost into the ice cream business franchise opportunities.
Furthermore, Baskin-Robbins boasts a considerably larger domestic presence. With over 2,400 stores across the United States, the brand benefits from extensive market penetration and strong brand recognition in many areas. This robust network provides a significant advantage for franchisees, offering established brand equity and a familiar presence for customers. This scale is a key factor when evaluating franchise opportunities ice cream.
| Brand Focus | Baskin-Robbins: Variety, Family Appeal | Ben & Jerry's: Social Consciousness, Unique Flavors |
| Initial Investment (approx.) | Starting at $95,000 (non-traditional) | Starting over $200,000 (traditional) |
| Royalty Fee | 5.9% of gross sales | (Information available in their FDD) |
| Domestic Store Count (approx.) | 2,400+ | (Information available in their FDD) |
Is Baskin-Robbins a profitable ice cream franchise business?
Yes, Baskin-Robbins can indeed be a profitable ice cream franchise business. Data from its 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) indicates that the average annual sales for a single U.S. Baskin-Robbins store were around $490,000. Projections suggest a modest growth of 2-3% into 2025, further solidifying its potential for profitability. This makes it a strong contender among ice cream franchise alternatives.
Profitability is further supported by the brand's robust supply chain and its significant marketing power as part of Inspire Brands. Franchisees benefit from national advertising campaigns, with the 2025 marketing budget representing 5% of gross sales collected from all franchisees. This collective marketing effort helps drive customer traffic and brand awareness, contributing to the overall revenue potential.
An important aspect of the Baskin-Robbins business model is its emphasis on cakes and take-home items. These products, which account for an estimated 25-30% of total sales, provide a stable, year-round revenue stream. This helps to mitigate the inherent seasonality often associated with the ice cream business, offering franchisees a more consistent income flow throughout the year. This aspect is crucial for those considering investing in an ice cream franchise.
Tips for Evaluating Ice Cream Franchise Opportunities
- Analyze Revenue Streams: Look for franchises that offer diverse products, like cakes and other treats, to ensure year-round profitability, as seen with Baskin-Robbins' success in this area.
- Consider Brand Recognition and Support: A larger, established network often means stronger brand recognition and more robust marketing support from the franchisor.
- Review Investment Costs Carefully: Compare the initial investment, royalty fees, and marketing contributions of different ice cream franchises to find the best fit for your budget. For instance, the How Does Ben & Jerry's Franchise Work? can be compared to Baskin-Robbins' investment structure.
Alternative Franchise Chain: Cold Stone Creamery
When exploring ice cream franchise alternatives, Cold Stone Creamery presents a compelling option for entrepreneurs looking to enter the dessert market. It differentiates itself by focusing on a highly interactive customer experience.
What makes Cold Stone a top ice cream franchise alternative?
Cold Stone Creamery is recognized as a premier ice cream franchise alternative, largely due to its signature 'Ultimate Ice Cream Experience.' This involves crafting custom ice cream creations by mixing in various ingredients on a frozen granite stone. This unique, entertaining element not only draws customers but also supports a premium pricing strategy.
Furthermore, this brand is a leader in co-branding opportunities within the ice cream sector. By partnering with sister brands like Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory or Tim Hortons, they aim to boost average unit volumes. In fact, co-branded locations are projected to see an increase in average unit volume by 15-20% in 2025.
The brand's parent company, Kahala Brands, offers a robust support system and investment guide for franchisees. Kahala Brands manages a diverse portfolio of over 25 quick-service restaurant concepts, providing franchisees with extensive operational knowledge and resources.
What is the investment for Cold Stone Creamery?
For a traditional Cold Stone Creamery location, the estimated initial investment in 2025 is projected to be between $318,775 and $475,975. This total ice cream shop franchise cost includes an initial franchise fee of $27,000.
Ongoing financial commitments involve a 6% royalty fee and a 3% advertising fee based on gross sales. This fee structure is competitive within the premium ice cream segment, making it a key consideration in any ben and jerrys franchise comparison.
For those seeking a more accessible entry point into the ice cream business franchise opportunities, non-traditional locations such as kiosks in malls or airports can significantly reduce the total investment, potentially starting as low as $57,200. This offers a more budget-friendly path to investing in an ice cream franchise.
| Investment Component | Estimated Cost Range (2025) |
|---|---|
| Initial Investment (Traditional) | $318,775 - $475,975 |
| Franchise Fee | $27,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Sales |
| Advertising Fee | 3% of Gross Sales |
| Non-Traditional Location Investment | Starting from $57,200 |
Alternative Franchise Chain: Häagen-Dazs
When exploring ice cream franchise alternatives, Häagen-Dazs presents a compelling option for entrepreneurs. It leverages a powerful global reputation, built over 60 years, for its super-premium ice cream made with simple, high-quality ingredients. This strong brand equity is a significant draw for customers seeking a more luxurious dessert experience.
Why consider a Häagen-Dazs shop franchise?
The versatility of the Häagen-Dazs ice cream business franchise model is a key advantage. Franchisees can opt for traditional scoop shops, smaller kiosks, or cafes, allowing for adaptability to various real estate opportunities. This flexibility makes it easier to secure prime locations, whether in high-end shopping centers or bustling urban areas.
Furthermore, as of 2025, Häagen-Dazs benefits immensely from its extensive retail presence in grocery stores. This widespread availability creates substantial built-in customer awareness and demand, a notable advantage when you compare Ben & Jerry's to other ice cream franchises.
What are the Häagen-Dazs franchise costs and fees?
The total estimated investment to launch a Häagen-Dazs shop in 2025 falls within the range of $164,871 to $552,471. This investment level is quite comparable to owning a Ben & Jerry's franchise unit, positioning it as a direct competitor for potential franchisees.
Key financial requirements include an initial franchise fee of $30,000. Franchisees will also be responsible for a 4% royalty fee and a contribution of 1.5% to 4% of gross sales to the marketing fund, which supports national and local advertising initiatives.
For those looking to invest in an ice cream franchise, Häagen-Dazs's distinct focus on a purely premium product, without the social mission component often associated with other brands, may appeal to investors prioritizing a straightforward, product-centric business model. This distinction is important in any ben and jerrys franchise comparison.
| Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty Fee | Marketing Contribution |
| $164,871 - $552,471 | $30,000 | 4% | 1.5% - 4% |
Tips for Evaluating Ice Cream Franchise Opportunities
- Understand the Market: Research local demographics and competition to ensure a good fit for any ice cream franchise business model you consider.
- Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): Pay close attention to the financial performance representations and franchisee success stories.
- Calculate ROI: Project potential revenue based on provided averages and factor in all costs for a realistic return on investment assessment when investing in an ice cream franchise.
Alternative Franchise Chain: Handel's Homemade Ice Cream
When exploring ice cream franchise alternatives, particularly if you're comparing options to a brand like Ben & Jerry's, Handel's Homemade Ice Cream stands out as a significant player in the dessert franchise opportunities market.
What is Handel's Homemade Ice Cream?
Handel's Homemade Ice Cream is a rapidly expanding premium ice cream brand, widely recognized as one of the most promising ice cream franchises to consider for investment in 2025. Its core differentiator is its 'made fresh daily' operational model, where all ice cream is crafted on-site, fostering a unique customer experience and product quality. The brand has seen remarkable growth, earning accolades from industry publications for its swift expansion. Projections indicate it will exceed 150 units by the close of 2025, with an anticipated system-wide sales increase of over 20% year-over-year. For entrepreneurs looking beyond existing options, Handel's offers an attractive model emphasizing product excellence and straightforward operations. Many of their locations feature walk-up windows, which can help reduce the overhead associated with extensive indoor seating and labor costs.
Is Handel's a good franchise investment?
Handel's presents a compelling case for franchise investment. Data from its 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) reveals that the top 25% of its locations achieved an Average Unit Volume (AUV) exceeding $1.5 million, positioning it as a potentially highly profitable ice cream franchise business. The estimated initial investment for a Handel's franchise in 2025 typically falls between $350,000 and $995,000, placing it in the mid-to-upper range for ice cream shop franchise costs, with a franchise fee of $35,000. The brand's strong sales performance, loyal customer base, and efficient operational framework contribute to its investment appeal. The ongoing royalty fee is set at 6% of gross sales, which aligns with typical industry standards for premium concepts.
For those seeking franchise opportunities ice cream, comparing Handel's to other brands is crucial. While the How Does Ben & Jerry's Franchise Work? outlines a different model, Handel's offers a distinct approach to the market.
| Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty Fee |
|---|---|---|
| $350,000 - $995,000 | $35,000 | 6% |
Tips for Evaluating Ice Cream Franchise Alternatives
- Analyze Unit Volumes: Look at the AUV reported in FDDs. For Handel's, the top 25% averaging over $1.5 million is a strong indicator.
- Understand the Operational Model: Consider if the 'made fresh daily' model aligns with your operational capabilities and desired work-life balance.
- Review Growth Trajectory: Brands with projected rapid expansion, like Handel's aiming for over 150 units in 2025, often indicate strong market demand and franchisor support.
When considering ice cream business franchise opportunities, understanding the financial benchmarks is key. While the FDD data for Ben & Jerry's indicates a different investment tier, it's important to conduct a thorough ben and jerrys franchise comparison with other viable options.
| Key Financial Metric | Data Point |
|---|---|
| Top 25% AUV | Over $1.5 million |
| Projected Unit Growth | Surpassing 150 units by end of 2025 |
| System-wide Sales Growth | Over 20% year-over-year |
Exploring successful ice cream franchises to invest in often involves dissecting their financial performance and operational efficiency. Handel's commitment to on-site production and its strategic use of walk-up windows are key elements of its profitable ice cream franchise business model.
Alternative Franchise Chain: Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
When considering alternatives to a premium ice cream franchise like Ben & Jerry's, exploring brands with a diversified product offering and a strong community presence is key. Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard stands out as a unique dessert franchise opportunity by blending Italian ice and frozen custard, appealing to a broader customer base than traditional ice cream shops. This makes it a compelling choice among ice cream franchise alternatives.
Why is Rita's a unique dessert franchise opportunity?
Rita's differentiates itself through its unique combination of Italian ice and frozen custard. This dual offering provides a wider variety of treats, attracting customers with diverse preferences. The brand also leverages a strong seasonal and event-based business model. With over 550 brick-and-mortar locations, primarily on the East Coast, Rita's also utilizes mobile units and catering programs, which are projected to contribute between 10-15% of system-wide revenue in 2025. Having operated for over 35 years, Rita's offers a proven system and significant brand recognition, making it a stable option for those seeking ice cream business franchise opportunities.
What is the cost of a Rita's franchise?
The total investment for a standard Rita's walk-in store in 2025 is estimated to range from $195,467 to $467,325. This investment includes an initial franchise fee of $35,000. For individuals looking for a lower cost ice cream franchise entry point, Rita's offers mobile and express unit options. The investment for a mobile cart or trailer can start as low as $100,000, offering a more accessible way to enter the business. Rita's has a royalty fee of 6.5% and a 6% advertising contribution. Financial performance representations indicate a median gross sales figure of approximately $275,000 for seasonal locations, showcasing strong performance potential for its business model.
| Investment Range (Standard Unit) | $195,467 - $467,325 |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Mobile Unit Investment Start | $100,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6.5% |
| Advertising Contribution | 6% |
| Median Gross Sales (Seasonal) | ~$275,000 |
Tips for Evaluating Dessert Franchise Opportunities
- Diversify Your Offerings: Look for brands that offer more than just one core product, like Rita's Italian Ice and Frozen Custard, to capture a wider market.
- Consider Seasonal Flexibility: Brands with models that can adapt to seasonal demand or offer catering services often provide more consistent revenue streams.
- Analyze Unit Economics: Carefully review Item 19 data to understand potential revenue and profitability, comparing it to your investment goals.
Comparing this to other ice cream franchise opportunities, Rita's offers a distinct advantage with its broad appeal. While exploring franchising options besides Ben & Jerry's, understanding these financial metrics is crucial for making an informed decision about investing in an ice cream franchise. For those interested in a Ben and Jerry's franchise comparison, evaluating these factors can highlight different paths to success in the ice cream business franchise opportunities sector. You can also explore how to start a Ben & Jerry's franchise in 7 steps: Checklist for a direct comparison.