What Baskin-Robbins does

Baskin-Robbins is the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, operating more than 7,700 retail locations across 33 global markets under a primarily franchised business model. Founded in 1945 by Burton 'Burt' Baskin and Irvine 'Irv' Robbins, the company introduced its iconic '31 Flavors' concept in 1953, signifying one unique flavor for each day of the month, and has since developed more than 1,400 ice cream flavors. Its core product portfolio spans ice cream scoops, custom and pre-designed celebration cakes, signature novelty formats such as Polar Pizza and Creature Creations, beverages (smoothies, shakes, specialty coffees), take-home packages, and DIY kits. Supporting infrastructure includes the BR App (iOS/Android) for mobile ordering with 15-minute pickup, the Baskin-Robbins Rewards loyalty program, the Birthday Club, custom PhotoCake ordering through DecoPac, and delivery integration with DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Postmates.

The company earns revenue primarily through franchise royalties and fees from approximately 844 US franchise operators, supplemented by initial franchise fees (US: $25,000; total investment range $307,400-$622,600) and ongoing supply relationships with franchisees. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document reports average annual gross sales of $532,682 per US franchise, with the top quartile achieving $822,152. Additional revenue streams include royalties and licensing from international master franchise partners (notably Graviss Group in India, operating 1,000+ stores across 290 cities), a new grocery distribution partnership with Nestlé Canada launching in grocery aisles February 2026, bulk corporate gift card sales through the Inspire Brands Corporate Gift Card Program, and trend-driven limited-time product collaborations (Dubai Chocolate Collection, One Piece anime, Sydney Sweeney Summer campaign). Baskin-Robbins is a privately held subsidiary of Inspire Brands, which is controlled by Roark Capital and has filed confidentially for an IPO targeting a $20 billion valuation as of 2026.

Name

Baskin-Robbins

Legal name

Dunkin' Brands, Inc.

Website

https://baskinrobbins.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1945

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Baskin-Robbins is the world's largest franchised ice cream specialty chain, operating 7,700+ shops in 33 markets with a portfolio of 1,400+ flavors, custom cakes, and novelty ice cream products serving individual consumers, franchisees, and now grocery retail partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Ice Cream Specialty Shops

NAICS

Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Manufacturing (311520), Packaged Frozen Food Merchant Wholesalers (42442)

SIC

Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts (2024), Food And Kindred Products (2000)

akta.pro primary industry

Ice Cream & Gelato Shops (THAFAGAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Ice Cream & Refrigerated Desserts (CRADACAE), Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts Wholesale (AFAIAHAC)

Keywords

• Ice cream retail
• Frozen desserts
• Franchise restaurants
• Celebration cakes
• Ice cream flavors

Headquarters

HQ city

Canton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Franchise Royalties and Fees: Baskin-Robbins earns revenue through franchise royalties and fees from its approximately 844 US franchise operators. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document shows average annual gross sales of $532,682 per franchise, with top 25% achieving $822,152.
2. Direct Retail Sales (Franchisee to Consumer): Franchisees sell ice cream, cakes, beverages, and other products directly to consumers at retail locations. Products include scoops, sundaes, shakes, cakes, take-home pints, and Polar Pizza treats.
3. Digital Ordering and Delivery: Baskin-Robbins earns revenue through its website and mobile app ordering platform (pickup in as little as 15 minutes), and via third-party delivery partners DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Postmates.
4. Grocery/Retail Distribution (Canada): Through partnership with Nestlé Canada, Baskin-Robbins ice cream products (five signature tub flavors and ice cream sandwiches) are sold at major grocery retailers including Loblaw, Walmart, Metro, Sobeys, and Costco. Products manufactured in London, Ontario using 100% Canadian dairy.

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Baskin-Robbins operates the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, selling ice cream scoops, custom and pre-designed celebration cakes, frozen beverages, sundaes, shakes, and signature novelty formats (Polar Pizza, Creature Creations) through a global network of over 7,700 franchised retail locations in 33 markets. The brand has created more than 1,400 unique ice cream flavors since 1945, anchored by its iconic '31 Flavors' concept representing one flavor for each day of the month.

Product overview

Baskin-Robbins is the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, offering a diverse portfolio of frozen dessert products and services. The core product offering centers on ice cream in various formats (scoops, take-home, seasonal flavors) with complementary categories including ice cream cakes (custom and pre-designed), beverages (smoothies, shakes), and branded merchandise. The company operates on a franchise model with over 7,700 retail shops across 33 global markets. Digital capabilities include the BR App for mobile ordering and loyalty management, and BR Delivers for third-party delivery integration. Key product lines include: rotating Flavors of the Month driving engagement, signature classics like America's Birthday Cake and Strawberry Cheesecake, limited-time collections (Dubai Chocolate Collection), seasonal offerings (Pumpkin Cheesecake, Beach Day), and celebration cakes (PhotoCake custom printing, themed designs). The loyalty ecosystem consists of Baskin-Robbins Rewards (earn visits/redeem rewards) and Birthday Club (free birthday offerings). The company is a subsidiary of Inspire Brands.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Baskin-Robbins Rewards: Customer loyalty program allowing members to earn visit credits and redeem rewards and offers.
• Birthday Club
• Love Potion #31

Products and services

• Ice Cream Scoops Signature ice cream scoops in rotating Flavor of the Month releases and year-round classics, served in various sizes (2.5 oz, 4 oz) at retail shops.
• Ice Cream Cakes & Pies Pre-designed and customizable ice cream celebration cakes, including bestsellers like Confetti Crazy Cake and OREO Cookie Cake, as well as pies. Customers can order up to 30 days in advance.
• Polar Pizza Ice Cream Treats Signature ice cream treat shaped like a pizza, featuring ice cream with various toppings and coatings, available seasonally (e.g., Halloween promotions).
• Creature Creations Animal-shaped ice cream novelty treats currently available as Unicorn and Dinosaur themed offerings, with themed decorations and matching crowns.
• Custom Cake in a Box DIY-style custom ice cream cake kit that customers assemble at home by selecting their preferred cake flavor, ice cream flavor, and sweet toppings.
• Sundaes Ice cream sundaes assembled at retail shops with ice cream, toppings, and sauces.
• Beverages (Milkshakes and Frozen Drinks) Milkshakes, specialty frozen beverages, and cold drinks served at retail shops, including seasonal offerings like Pumpkin Spice Cappy frozen coffee.
• Smoothies Non-dairy frozen fruit smoothies in Mixed Berry, Strawberry, and Mango flavors, targeted at health-conscious consumers.
• Take-Home Ice Cream Pre-packed ice cream quarts and fresh-pack pints sold for at-home consumption.
• DIY Kits Do-it-yourself ice cream kits enabling customers to assemble customized ice cream treats at home.
• Baskin-Robbins Rewards Loyalty Program Free loyalty program where members earn visit credits on qualifying purchases, redeem rewards, receive birthday perks, and access exclusive offers through the BR App.
• Birthday Club Free membership program providing birthday rewards and special offers to members ages 13+ and their families.
• BR Mobile App iOS and Android mobile application enabling online ordering for in-shop pickup (as little as 15 minutes), loyalty rewards management, store locator, and exclusive member offers.
• BR Delivers Delivery service offered in partnership with DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Postmates, bringing Baskin-Robbins ice cream products directly to consumers.
• Gift Cards Physical and mobile gift cards available in $2-$100 denominations, plus bulk corporate gift cards (minimum $500) through the Inspire Brands Corporate Gift Card Program.
• Baskin-Robbins Grocery Retail Ice Cream (Canada) Retail-pack ice cream tubs and sandwiches launched in February 2026 through Nestl\u00e9 Canada in grocery freezer aisles across Canada (Loblaw, Walmart, Metro, Sobeys, and Costco from April 2026).
• Baskin-Robbins Franchise Ownership Franchise license granting entrepreneurs the right to operate Baskin-Robbins retail shops under the brand, with a $25,000 initial franchise fee and total investment range of $307,400-$622,600; 844 U.S. franchises reported average annual gross sales of $532,682 in FY2024.

Quantifiable outcome

• Average annual gross sales of $532,682 per US franchise (FY2024); top 25% of franchises achieved $822,152
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• Nestlé CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 February 2026Baskin-Robbins Canada partnered with Nestlé Canada to launch Baskin-Robbins ice cream products in grocery freezer aisles across Canada beginning February 2026. Initial rollout includes five signature ice cream tub flavors and a new line of ice cream sandwiches. Products manufactured in London, Ontario using 100% Canadian dairy. Available at Loblaw, Walmart, Metro, and Sobeys, with Costco launch planned for April 2026.
• TombrascoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 January 2026Tombras expanded its relationship with Inspire Brands by winning social agency of record duties for Sonic Drive-In and Baskin-Robbins, following its acquisition of Arby's social business in 2025. Tombras handles social media strategy and execution for Baskin-Robbins.
• Susan AlexandraminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 July 2024Baskin-Robbins partnered with luxury jewelry designer Susan Alexandra for National Ice Cream Day 2024, releasing a collection of charm necklaces featuring ice cream-themed charms. Some pieces available for purchase online and in New York City. The collaboration emphasized nostalgic and playful elements.
• Graviss Foods (Graviss Group)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGraviss Group operates Baskin-Robbins in India and the SAARC region since 1993. Graviss Foods (headed by Ravi Ghai) operates 1,000+ Baskin-Robbins stores across 290 cities in India through 300+ franchise partners. Projecting over 20% top-line growth for FY25 and planning 40% year-on-year expansion. Ravi Ghai's granddaughter Saaniya Chandok is engaged to Arjun Tendulkar (son of Sachin Tendulkar).
• One Piece (Anime)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerBaskin-Robbins partnered with the anime franchise One Piece for a brand collaboration in 2025, ranking among the top 10 anime brand collaborations of 2025. Baskin-Robbins was the only ice cream brand in the top 10 list.
• Sydney SweeneyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerActress Sydney Sweeney partnered with Baskin-Robbins for a 2025 Summer campaign, launching an exclusive 'Sweet on Sydney' menu featuring limited-edition flavors and products. The partnership leveraged her brand as a shapeshifter with diverse appeal across audience segments.
• DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, PostmatesmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBaskin-Robbins partnered with four major third-party delivery aggregators (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, Postmates) to deliver ice cream and sundaes to customers. Delivery fees are set by the delivery platforms. Menu items and availability vary by location.
• Galadari BrothersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGaladari Brothers, through its Food & Beverage Division in the UAE, released a 'Dubai Chocolate' edition of Baskin-Robbins ice cream products as part of its F&B trend analysis. Baskin-Robbins is listed as a key brand in Galadari Brothers' UAE operations.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Dairy Queen: Dairy Queen operates one of the largest franchised chains of ice cream and frozen dessert specialty shops in the US, directly competing with Baskin-Robbins for soft-serve and novelty ice cream occasions. Both are franchised foodservice brands under restaurant-industry umbrellas (Dairy Queen under Berkshire Hathaway/BG Foods).
• Cold Stone Creamery: Cold Stone Creamery is a franchised US ice cream specialty chain best known for mix-in ice cream prepared on a frozen stone. It is a head-to-head competitor in scoop shops, ice cream cakes, and franchised expansion, also operating under a US restaurant group (Kahala Brands).
• Häagen-Dazs Shops: Häagen-Dazs operates franchised ice cream scoop shops worldwide selling premium-tier ice cream, sundaes, and beverages. Directly comparable on premium ice cream positioning, scoop shop format, and global franchised distribution model.
• Ben & Jerry's: Ben & Jerry's competes in the same premium ice cream category with branded scoop shops, packaged pints, and flavors-of-the-month-style limited releases. Subsidiary of Unilever, providing a peer comparison for ice cream brand scale and grocery/café distribution.
• Carvel: Carvel is a US franchised ice cream cake and soft-serve chain, also under Rich Products/BG Foods ownership. Direct competitor on ice cream cakes (a Baskin-Robbins core product), novelty ice cream treats, and franchised retail.
• Marble Slab Creamery: Marble Slab Creamery is a franchised US/CAN mix-in ice cream shop chain with a similar customer experience to Cold Stone and Baskin-Robbins. Direct competitor in franchised ice cream specialty retail.

Emerging players

• Graeter's: Graeter's is a premium Cincinnati-based ice cream brand with both scoop shops and grocery pint distribution. Comparable on craft flavor positioning, branded retail, and grocery expansion — a smaller but premium-positioned competitor.
• Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams: Jeni's is a US premium/specialty ice cream brand with a growing scoop shop footprint and grocery pint distribution. Direct peer on premium positioning, innovative flavors, and digital/loyalty-driven retail, though smaller in scale.
• Salt & Straw: Salt & Straw is a premium scoop shop chain known for innovative, small-batch flavors with viral marketing. Comparable to Baskin-Robbins on flavor innovation, scoop shop format, and social-driven customer acquisition, particularly in the US West Coast.
• Yogurtland: Yogurtland is a US/global franchised frozen yogurt chain competing for the dessert-occasion dollar. Comparable as a franchised dessert-specialty shop operator targeting similar impulse-purchase and loyalty-driven customer occasions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/BaskinRobbins
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/BaskinRobbinsFan
• Facebookfacebook.com/BaskinRobbinsIn
• Instagraminstagram.com/baskinrobbins
• Pinterestpinterest.com/baskinrobbins31
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/inspire-brands

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Baskin-Robbins