Baskin Robbins Franchise in India: Cost & How To Apply

When it comes to ice cream brands, few names resonate as universally as Baskin Robbins. Known for its iconic ‘31 Flavors’ concept, one for every day of the month, this American giant has become India's premium ice cream destination. Since entering the Indian market in 1993 through a joint venture with the Graviss Group, Baskin Robbins has expanded to over 850+ outlets across 230+ cities. 

For aspiring entrepreneurs in 2026, a Baskin Robbins franchise offers a sweet spot between high brand recall and a relatively manageable investment. Unlike heavy-duty restaurant franchises, an ice cream parlour is easier to operate, requires less staff, and enjoys year-round demand in India's tropical climate. Read on to learn about the Baskin Robbins franchise cost, profit potential, and the application process to decide if this venture is suitable for you.

Investing in a Baskin Robbins franchise comes with distinct advantages that reduce the risk typically associated with starting a new business. 

• Global Brand Power: You are selling ice cream as part of a legacy. The brand is globally recognised, ensuring immediate customer trust and footfall from day one. 

• 100% Vegetarian Menu: Uniquely for the Indian market, Baskin Robbins offers a 100% vegetarian product range, widening its appeal to a massive demographic. 

• Flexible Formats: The brand offers models like Kiosks (150 sq. ft.) and Parlours (300+ sq. ft.) to suit different budgets and spaces (mall outlets or exclusive shops). 

• Low Royalty on Sales: A key highlight is that Baskin Robbins typically charges a low royalty fee, where you share a small percentage of your monthly sales with the company. 

• Strong Support Ecosystem: From site selection to staff training and cold chain logistics, the company (Graviss Foods) handles the complexities, allowing you to focus on sales.

While the brand is supportive of new entrepreneurs, there can be specific criteria to ensure the partnership is viable. 

• Financial Bandwidth: You may need to have liquid funds of ₹10 Lakhs – ₹20 Lakhs to cover the setup and initial operational costs. 

• Space Requirements:

  • Kiosk: Minimum 150 sq. ft. frontage of 10-12 ft. 

  • Parlour: Minimum 250-400 sq. ft. with good visibility. 

• Location: The store must be in a high-traffic area such as a premium high street, a mall food court, or near educational institutions and cinema halls. 

• Commitment: The brand prefers partners who can dedicate quality time to managing the store. While prior food industry experience is a plus, it is not mandatory. 

To proceed with the application, keep the following documents ready for due diligence:

• ID Proof: PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Voter ID of the applicant.

• Address Proof: Ration Card, Electricity Bill.

• Financial Documents: Bank statements (last 6 months) and proof of funds.

• Property Documents: Rent/Lease Agreement (if rented) or Ownership deeds, along with an NOC for commercial use.

• Business Registrations: GST Registration Certificate, FSSAI License (mandatory for food business), and Shop & Establishment License.

• Photographs: Passport size photos and photos of the proposed location (interior and exterior).

The application process is transparent and moves quickly once you are qualified. Here is the step-by-step procedure: 

1. Website Application: Visit the official Baskin Robbins India website at www.baskinrobbinsindia.com and fill out the franchise inquiry form. 

2. Franchise Enquiry: From the left menu, choose the ‘Partner with Us’ option or click on ‘Franchise Enquiry’ from the options at the bottom of the page. 

3. Franchise Form: Fill out the form with your personal information, business proposal, and other required details, and click on ‘Submit’. 

4. Screening: The brand’s business development team will review your profile. If you meet the basic financial and location criteria, they will contact you. 

5. Site Visit & Approval: A company representative may visit your proposed location to assess footfall, visibility, and technical feasibility. 

6. Commercial Discussion: Once the site is approved, you will discuss the commercials, sign the Franchise Agreement, and pay the Franchise Fee. 

7. Store Setup: The company will likely provide the layout design. You will execute the interiors while the company helps you order the standardised equipment. 

8. Training: You and your staff will undergo a comprehensive training program (approx. 2-3 weeks) covering scooping techniques, hygiene, and customer service. 

9. Launch: Your store opens with a marketing splash, supported by the brand’s regional team.

Opening a store requires smart capital management. While the investment is lower than many other franchises, ₹15-25 Lakhs is still a significant amount. 

• Personal Savings: Ideally, 40-50% of the capital should be your own to reduce interest burden.

• Business Loans: Since Baskin Robbins is a Tier-1 established brand, banks are generally willing to lend to its franchisees. To find affordable options, you can compare and apply for a Business Loan of up to ₹80 Lakhs on Bajaj Markets. 

• Government Schemes: For smaller kiosk models (under ₹10 Lakhs), you might explore the Mudra Loan (PMMY) scheme which offers collateral-free loans. 

• NBFCs: Non-Banking Financial Companies often have faster processing times for unsecured business loans compared to traditional banks.

Check the business loan interest rates and other terms offered by top lenders on Bajaj Markets and easily secure the funds you need.

*Disclaimer: The rates are subject to change at the lender’s discretion. 

A Baskin Robbins franchise is an attractive proposition for anyone looking to enter the F&B space with a safety net. The combination of a beloved global brand, a simple operational model (no cooking required), and a reasonable investment range makes it a strong contender. 

With a high gross margin of nearly 50% and a proven support system, the path to profitability is clearer than with an independent startup. If you have a prime location and a passion for customer service, this ‘desi-global’ ice cream giant could be your ticket to sweet success.