
How Fast-Food Franchising Actually Works
Almost every restaurant you think of as a chain is owned by someone else entirely. What the franchisee actually buys, and why it explains the price on the board.

Menus and prices in 8 markets, 370 items tracked.
Baskin-Robbins was built on one idea - 31 flavours, one for each day of the month - And that flavour-led model is exactly why it barely appears in our price index.
Only three Baskin-Robbins items qualify as comparable across four or more markets, and all three are formats rather than flavours: single scoop, double scoop, triple scoop. The flavours themselves almost never survive a border, because the rotating range is built locally in every market.
That is a useful lesson about what "comparable" means. A brand can be highly international, with 271 items across seven markets in our data, and still have almost nothing that can be priced like for like.
Each market has its own board. Prices are shown in local currency and are not comparable across rows - Use the index below for that.
| Market | Items | Cheapest | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA Baskin-Robbins menu prices
USD |
39 | $1.99 | $14.93 | USA menu prices |
| Singapore Baskin-Robbins menu prices
SGD |
43 | S$1 | S$53.14 | Singapore menu prices |
| Malaysia Baskin-Robbins menu prices
MYR |
58 | RM3 | RM92.52 | Malaysia menu prices |
| Australia Baskin-Robbins menu prices
AUD |
45 | A$8.90 | A$15.83 | Australia menu prices |
| Canada Baskin-Robbins menu prices
CAD |
32 | C$2.80 | C$17.98 | Canada menu prices |
| United Kingdom Baskin-Robbins menu prices
GBP |
35 | £2.95 | £9.28 | United Kingdom menu prices |
| New Zealand Baskin-Robbins menu prices
NZD |
16 | NZ$1 | NZ$17.57 | New Zealand menu prices |
| United Arab Emirates Baskin-Robbins menu prices
AED |
102 | AED 5 | AED 57.01 | United Arab Emirates menu prices |
Prices are in each market’s own currency and are not comparable across rows; for that, use the price index.
Products sold under one name in four or more of our markets, converted to US dollars at weekly mid-market rates.
| Product | Markets | Cheapest (USD) | Average (USD) | Priciest (USD) | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Regular Scoop Baskin-Robbins price by country | 5 | $2.53 | $3.55 | $5.20 | +106% |
| Double Scoop Baskin-Robbins price by country | 4 | $3.62 | $5.31 | $7.91 | +119% |
| Medium Banana Split Baskin-Robbins price by country | 4 | $6.18 | $9.71 | $12.10 | +96% |
| Triple Scoop Baskin-Robbins price by country | 4 | $5.64 | $7.82 | $9.80 | +74% |
Every item across every Baskin-Robbins menu, mapped onto our dish taxonomy.
In 1945, brothers-in-law Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins shared a vision: to create an ice cream shop that offered more than just the standard flavors of the time. Burt opened Burton's Ice Cream Shop in Pasadena, California, while Irv launched Snowbird Ice Cream in Glendale, California. Their mutual passion for ice cream led them to merge their businesses in 1953, forming Baskin-Robbins. They introduced the concept of "31 flavors," symbolizing a different flavor for each day of the month, a novel idea that set them apart in the industry. This approach not only delighted customers but also laid the foundation for a brand that would become synonymous with variety and quality in the world of ice cream.
At the heart of Baskin-Robbins's menu is a commitment to innovation and quality. The establishment has introduced over 1,400 unique flavors since its inception, including classics like Pralines 'n Cream and Mint Chocolate Chip. Each flavor is crafted with high-quality ingredients, ensuring a rich and satisfying experience in every scoop. The menu also features a variety of frozen treats, from sundaes and shakes to ice cream cakes, catering to a wide range of tastes and occasions.
Beyond serving delicious ice cream, Baskin-Robbins is dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities it serves. The establishment's Pint-Sized Heroes program honors young individuals who bring joy and inspiration to others, providing them with free ice cream for a year and a $31,000 grant to their children's hospital. Additionally, initiatives like the Parent Pass promotion offer parents a moment of indulgence during busy times, reinforcing the brand's commitment to community and family.
From its humble beginnings in California to its presence in over 50 countries, Baskin-Robbins continues to delight customers with its diverse flavors and community-focused initiatives, embodying a legacy of joy and innovation in every scoop.

Almost every restaurant you think of as a chain is owned by someone else entirely. What the franchisee actually buys, and why it explains the price on the board.

Localisation is not adding a novelty item. It is a staged process with a predictable sequence, and the menu data shows exactly how far each market has travelled.

Menu boards are designed documents, not lists. Where the money items sit, what the ordering of panels is doing, and how to find the price you actually want.
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