CANTON, Mass., Feb. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Baskin-Robbins, the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, is offering San Diego residents the exclusive scoop on how to own their very own Baskin-Robbins franchise. The company is announcing plans to expand its footprint with both existing and new franchisees.

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Franchising executives will host a Franchising Open House on Tuesday, Feb. 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is a fantastic chance for anyone who has ever thought about owning his or her own ice cream shop to learn about the great business opportunity Baskin-Robbins can offer. The event will provide details about franchising opportunities and current development incentives and is being held at San Diego's newest Baskin-Robbins location at 5575 Balboa Avenue, Suite 300.

This Baskin-Robbins shop on Balboa Avenue is newly constructed, from floor to ceiling, in the brand's new store image, which incorporates modern visual elements that celebrate the brand's nearly 70-year heritage. Interested franchising candidates who attend this open house can get a first-hand look at how the store design focuses on all of the fun, fresh ways Baskin-Robbins brings its flavors to life for guests.

"I am excited to open my doors to potential Baskin-Robbins franchisees in the San Diego area," said Sharan Kooner, Baskin-Robbins franchisee at 5575 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, Calif. "I encourage entrepreneurs to come by and view our new store and learn more about how to become a part of this growing brand."

To register for the seminar, visit http://franchisingevents.dunkinbrands.com, or for additional information, contact Julie Price at Julie.Price@dunkinbrands.com.

"Baskin-Robbins has six decades of experience refining its business system to offer a fun, rewarding new business opportunity to new franchise candidates," said Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of global franchising and business development, Dunkin' Brands. "As our brand continues to develop across California, we're looking for entrepreneurs in San Diego with strong financial backgrounds and a passion for their local communities to own their very own ice cream shop."

As part of the company's growth plans, new franchisees who sign a development agreement in 2014 and timely open their shops can take advantage of significant offers, including 50% off of the 20-year initial franchise fee -- a $12,500 value - and reduced royalties for the first five years, including the first year at 0% -- a substantial savings from the standard royalty rate of 5.9%.* Furthermore, if the new franchisee signs a multi-unit agreement in 2014, he or she can receive the same incentives for each additional unit that timely opens.

Baskin-Robbins is also helping make business ownership a reality for U.S. military servicemen and women. For honorably discharged military veterans who sign an agreement in 2014 and timely develop their shops before the end of 2015, Baskin-Robbins will waive the 20-year initial franchisee fee (a $25,000 value) for their first restaurant and offer a 0% royalty rate for the first two years and a reduced royalty rate for years three through five. If a military veteran signs a multi-unit agreement, he or she will be extended a 20% discount on the 20-year initial franchise fee for up to four additional shops that are timely opened, as well as a 10-year payment plan.*

Franchisees enjoy convenient hours of operation, minimal equipment and little product waste. They also benefit from award-winning training programs and comprehensive operating systems designed to help build business.

In 1945, Baskin-Robbins was founded by two ice cream enthusiasts who shared a dream to create an innovative ice cream shop that would be a neighborhood gathering place for families. Today, over 300 million people visit Baskin-Robbins each year to sample from the more than 1,000 flavor creations available in its ice cream library. Baskin-Robbins offers guests its wide range of hard scoop ice cream flavors, along with custom ice cream cakes, delicious frozen beverages, premium soft serve and take home frozen treats.

* For complete terms and conditions, please see the Baskin-Robbins Franchise Disclosure Document.

About Baskin-Robbins
Named the top ice cream and frozen dessert franchise in the United States by Entrepreneur magazine's 31st annual Franchise 500® ranking, Baskin-Robbins is the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops. Baskin-Robbins creates and markets innovative, premium hard scoop ice cream and soft serve, custom ice cream cakes and a full range of beverages, providing quality and value to consumers at 7,300 retail shops in nearly 50 countries. Baskin-Robbins was founded in 1945 by two ice cream enthusiasts whose passion led to the creation of more than 1,000 ice cream flavors and a wide variety of delicious treats. In 2013, more than 13 million ice cream cakes were sold in Baskin-Robbins shops worldwide. Headquartered in Canton, Mass., Baskin-Robbins is part of the Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) family of companies. For further information, visit www.BaskinRobbins.com.

CONTACT:
Amanda DelPrete
Fish Consulting
954-893-9150
adelprete@fish-consulting.com

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