Baskin-Robbins USA Co.

Founded: 1945 Franchising since: 1948
As a teenager in the 1930s, Irv Robbins managed an ice cream shop in Tacoma, Washington. Bored with serving traditional flavors like chocolate and vanilla, Robbins began experimenting by mixing fruit and candy into the ice cream. After serving in World War II, Robbins bought an ice cream parlor in Glendale, California. Three years later, he convinced his brother-in-law, Burt Baskin, to join the business. The two men flipped a coin to see whose name would go first on the sign. Baskin won, and in 1945, Baskin-Robbins was born.

Today, Baskin-Robbins has locations in more than 50 countries, each serving the company's famous 31 flavors of ice cream, as well as frozen yogurt, sherbet, cakes and drinks. Baskin-Robbins is part of Dunkin' Brands Inc., which also franchises Dunkin' Donuts. Dunkin' Brands Inc. is owned by a consortium of private equity companies: Bain Capital, The Carlyle Group and Thomas H. Lee Partners.

Address: 130 Royall St. Canton, Massachusetts 02021

Phone: (781)737-3000

Franchise Units

Year	U.S. Franchises	Canadian Franchises	Foreign Franchises	Company Owned
2009	2,601	117	3,382	1
2008	2,699	119	3,071	2
2007	2,793	117	2,925	0
2006	2,786	129	2,864	0

Where Seeking Franchisees
Nationwide
Worldwide

Total investment: $41,450 - $373,595
Franchise fee: $5,000 - $35,000
Ongoing royalty fee: 5.9%
Term of agreement: Term of agreement not renewable


Express/kiosk option available

Type of Financing Available

	In-House	Third Party
Franchise Fee	No	No
Startup Costs	No	No
Equipment	No	Yes
Inventory	No	No
Accounts Receivable	No	No
Payroll	No	No

Qualifications
Net worth requirement: $1,200,000
Cash liquidity requirement: $600,000
Business Experience:

• Industry experience
• General business experience
• Marketing skills

Training

• Available at headquarters: Varies

Ongoing Support

• Newsletter
• Meetings
• Toll-free phone line
• Grand opening
• Security/safety procedures
• Field operations/evaluations

Marketing Support

• Regional advertising

Franchise 500® rank:
#47 (2010); #13 (2009); #16 (2008); #22 (2006);

America's Top Global Franchises:
#40 (2010); #12 (2009); #14 (2008);