Baskin-Robbins franchise
Baskin-Robbins is an ice cream chain known for its many flavors, ice cream cakes and frozen treats. Franchisees can run standalone shops or combination stores alongside sister brand Dunkin'. At the end of 2025 there were 967 Baskin-Robbins locations in the US, all franchised.
- Cost to open
- $307K–$627K
- Franchise fee
- $25,000
- Royalty
- 5.9%
- Locations, 2025
- 967−34 in 3 yrs
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Company snapshot
- Franchisor based in
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Time to open
- 8 to 15 months after signing
- Agreement length
- 20 years
- Financing
- None offered
From Baskin-Robbins Franchising LLC’s 2026 filing.
How much a Baskin-Robbins franchise costs
Opening one Baskin-Robbins shop costs an estimated $307,400 to $626,700. That covers the franchise fee and everything else needed to open, through the first months of working capital.
Source: Baskin-Robbins Franchising LLC, 2026 filing, page 40
Baskin-Robbins franchise fee
The franchise fee is $25,000, for a standard shop (less at gas stations, convenience stores and special distribution outlets). You pay it when you sign the franchise agreement.
Source: Baskin-Robbins Franchising LLC, 2026 filing, page 30
Royalty and ongoing fees
| Royalty | 5.9% of gross sales (the continuing franchise fee), paid weekly; lower rates apply in Hawaii and the Central States territory. |
|---|
Source: Baskin-Robbins Franchising LLC, 2026 filing, page 33
Sales and earnings
Shares figures Baskin-Robbins publishes sales or earnings figures for its locations: it reports 2025 annual unit volumes for groups of franchised shops. The full tables, with notes on which locations are counted, are in its filing.
Source: Baskin-Robbins Franchising LLC, 2026 filing, page 78
Locations opened and closed
| Year | Franchised | Company-owned | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 978 (−23) | 0 | 44 |
| 2024 | 976 (−2) | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 967 (−9) | 0 | 41 |
Closed or left counts terminations, non-renewals, locations bought back by the franchisor and locations that stopped operating.
Source: Baskin-Robbins Franchising LLC, 2026 filing, page 80
How Baskin-Robbins compares
Of the 12 ice cream franchises on this site, Baskin-Robbins is the 4th cheapest to open and the 4th largest by number of locations.
| Measure | Baskin-Robbins | Typical ice cream |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to open, low end | $307K | $359K |
| Royalty | 5.9% | 6% |
| Closed or left per year | 4.1% | 2.8% |
| Change in franchised locations, 3 yrs | −3.4% | +8.6% |
| Shares earnings figures | Yes | 11 of 12 |
Typical is the median across the 12 brands in ice cream franchises.
Other ice cream franchises
Baskin-Robbins franchise questions
How long does it take to open a Baskin-Robbins?
8 to 15 months after signing, according to Baskin-Robbins's 2026 filing. Finding a site, permits and build-out are what usually stretch it.
Does Baskin-Robbins help with financing?
No. Baskin-Robbins does not offer financing or guarantee loans or leases, so buyers arrange their own, usually a bank or SBA loan.
How long is a Baskin-Robbins franchise agreement?
The initial term is 20 years. Renewal is usually possible if you're in good standing, often for a fee and a remodel.
Is Baskin-Robbins growing or shrinking?
Over the last 3 years 86 franchised locations opened and 120 closed or left, a net change of −3.4%. About 4.1% of locations closed or left each year. That is above the 2.8% typical for ice cream franchises.
How does Baskin-Robbins compare with other ice cream franchises?
Of the 12 ice cream franchises here, Baskin-Robbins is the 4th cheapest to open (low end $307K against a $359K median) and the 4th largest by number of locations. Its 5.9% royalty is in line with the 6% median.
Does Baskin-Robbins say how much franchisees make?
Yes: it reports 2025 annual unit volumes for groups of franchised shops. Your results can differ; the filing explains which locations are counted.
Where is Baskin-Robbins based?
Baskin-Robbins Franchising LLC is based in Atlanta, Georgia.