Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, announced Friday the signing of a multi-unit store development agreement with new franchisee Sharooz Setareh to develop three new ice cream shops in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills over the next few years. Currently, there are more than 460 Baskin-Robbins shops located throughout California and growing the brand here remains a priority for the company in 2016.
As a long-time Los Angeles resident, Sharooz brings a wealth of business management experience to Baskin-Robbins, having owned a beauty supply chain and clothing manufacturing company, which he still operates today. The first shop under this agreement opened in Santa Monica earlier this year. He plans on opening his second Baskin-Robbins shop in 2017, with the third location following in 2018.
“I’ve always wanted to be in the business of making people happy. I grew up enjoying Baskin-Robbins ice cream and never left without a smile on my face,” says Sharooz Setareh, Baskin-Robbins franchisee. “When I was ready to add another brand to my portfolio, I looked for one that would allow me to bring that same smile to my customers. I learned about Baskin-Robbins’ franchise opportunities from an old friend and multi-unit franchisee with the brand. I immediately signed on to develop three Baskin-Robbins shops and look forward to growing the brand throughout Los Angeles.”
To fuel additional growth, Baskin-Robbins continues to offer simplified, turnkey development opportunities to prospective franchising candidates. The company has sold two of these ready-to-operate shops so far this year in California and has another turnkey opportunity available now in Vista. By purchasing a ready-to-operate shop like these, franchisees avoid the site selection and development phase, which is just one of the many benefits of this development strategy.
The first turnkey shop in Porterville was sold to existing franchisee Harpreet Gill and opened earlier this summer. The second shop in Imperial Beach was sold to new franchisee Alejandro Kochergan and is planned to open early next year.
“Our secret to continued growth includes passionate franchisees who provide a high-level of customer service to our guests every day, and we are thrilled Sharooz, Harpreet and Alejandro will be expanding our brand in Southern California,” says Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of global franchising and business development, Dunkin’ Brands. “As we continue to foster and grow our relationship with California ice cream lovers, we’re looking for motivated entrepreneurs who have a passion for their local communities to join our team and take advantage of the brand’s ownership opportunities and financial incentives, which include 50 percent off the initial franchise fee and free royalty for the store's first year.”
In an effort to recruit motivated entrepreneurs to become franchisees with Baskin-Robbins, the brand will hold two seminars in September for prospective candidates: Firstly, a seminar in Vista to meet the Baskin-Robbins Business Development team and learn more about what it takes to own and operate a turnkey ice cream shop and, secondly, a seminar in Long Beach for candidates to hear more about traditional franchising opportunities.
