Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Launches Franchise Model

The iconic ice cream brand aims to expand its community-focused approach through selective franchise partnerships.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, the Columbus, Ohio-based ice cream company, has announced the launch of its Fellowship Model franchise program. The move will allow Jeni's to bring its unique brand and community-focused approach to new markets across the country, while maintaining its rigorous standards for franchisee selection and support.

Why it matters

Jeni's has built a loyal following by prioritizing quality ingredients, innovative flavors, and a strong connection to the local communities it serves. The franchise model allows Jeni's to scale this approach more broadly, while ensuring each new location aligns with the brand's culture and values.

The details

Jeni's new franchise program, called the Fellowship Model, is focused on finding the right entrepreneurial partners who share the brand's commitment to community engagement and delivering an exceptional customer experience. Franchisees must undergo a thorough vetting process and commit to supporting local initiatives. The company plans a measured rollout, aiming for 3 franchise locations in 2026 and 10 in 2027, in order to provide comprehensive training and support to its new partners.

  • Jeni's announced the launch of its franchise program on September 16, 2025.
  • The company plans to open 3 franchise locations in 2026 and 10 in 2027.

The players

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

An iconic ice cream brand based in Columbus, Ohio, known for its commitment to quality ingredients, innovative flavors, and community engagement.

Sean Bock

Jeni's senior advisor of franchising, who is overseeing the brand's selective franchise partner selection and support process.

Poe Timmons

Jeni's interim CEO, who views the franchise model as a logical extension of the brand's community-focused approach.

Scott Hargrove

Jeni's Chief Marketing Officer, who emphasizes the importance of franchisees deeply understanding the brand's culture and values.

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What they’re saying

“We've never been in the business of transactions. Our Fellowship Model is rooted in partnership. Just as we work collaboratively with our makers and producers to create our unique flavors, we'll work hand in hand with our franchise partners to ensure the success of each new scoop shop.”

— Sean Bock, Jeni's senior advisor of franchising (dairyfoods.com)

“It's a logical extension of our Fellowship Model. We want entrepreneurs to bring Jeni's to more communities. We'll learn how to better run our own scoop shops from our franchisees, and vice versa.”

— Poe Timmons, Jeni's interim CEO (dairyfoods.com)

“Culture fit is critical. Franchising allows us to bring Jeni's to more communities than we could through company-owned locations alone.”

— Sean Bock, Jeni's senior advisor of franchising (dairyfoods.com)

What’s next

Jeni's plans to open its first 3 franchise locations in 2026, followed by 10 more in 2027, as part of a measured rollout strategy to ensure comprehensive support for its new franchise partners.

The takeaway

Jeni's franchise model represents a strategic expansion of the brand's community-focused approach, allowing it to bring its unique ice cream experience to more customers while maintaining the high standards and values that have made it an iconic regional brand.