Ben & Jerry’s is poised to open a Chatswood, Sydney outlet, its first Australian franchised scoop shop. And to celebrate, the business will be offering free ice cream at a ‘scoop-a-thon’ at the opening on Thursday 19 January from 12 to 8pm.

Johnny Hammond, Ben & Jerry’s brand manager, said “Chatswood is an important first step of our franchise strategy and we’re looking forward to increasing our footprint in this area as we enter our third year Down Under. We’re excited to work with an enthusiastic franchisee who understands Ben & Jerry’s brand values and is committed to making the scoop shop a real success.”

Franchisees

Husband and wife team Ken and Riana Lian have both been working in Sydney in corporate roles for some years and were on the lookout for a franchise when the ice cream brand launched in Australia. The pair were quick to submit an expression of interest on the website.

Singapore-born KenÕs exposure to the brand in Asia helped kick start the recruitment process because he understood the potential in Australia, said Hammond. “It has been a natural fit since our first meeting,” he added.

Ben & JerryÕs is looking to find franchisees for opportunities in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Canberra locations.

Franchise expansion

“Our rollout plan only allows for stores in key high traffic locations with day and night trade. Example locations in each area include Darling Harbour in Sydney, St Kilda in Melbourne, South bank in Brisbane and Cavil Ave in Surfers.”

The American brand famous for its chunks and swirls giving the iced product a rich flavour already has six outlets in Australia: three in Sydney – Manly, Hoyts Broadway and Hoyts Penrith, two in Melbourne at Hoyts Highpoint and Hoyts Chadstone, and one store at Warner Bros Movie World on the Gold Coast.

* Why do humour and social commitment go hand in hand with Ben & Jerry’s ice cream?

* Read more about the dessert market in Australia’s franchise sector