Baskin-Robbins helps vets own franchises

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CANTON, Mass., Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Baskin-Robbins, a chain of ice cream specialty shops, said it would waive the initial franchise fee of $25,000 for certain honorably discharged U.S. veterans.

Bill Mitchell, senior vice president and brand officer of Baskin-Robbins, said the new incentive program supports U.S. military veterans seeking to open a Baskin-Robbins franchise in California, Florida and select markets across the United States.

"Having served as an officer in the U.S. Army, I know first-hand the importance of supporting our troops as they transition back to civilian life," Mitchell said in a statement. "As part of our brand's commitment to veterans, we are very excited to begin a new veteran franchise incentive program and hope to make someone's dream of owning their own business a reality."

The program is offered to qualified veterans interested in developing Baskin-Robbins restaurants. In addition to waiving the entire initial franchise fee, normally $25,000, the chain created a financing program specifically designed to assist new and existing franchisees to develop new restaurants, Mitchell said.

Candidates should possess a strong financial background and passion for their local communities, Baskin-Robbins said.

Baskin-Robbins has shown to be a simple business to run with convenient hours of operation, minimal equipment, little waste and a majority of inventory that has a shelf life of one year with proper storage, Mitchell added.