Baskin-Robbins expanding its franchise locations across Canada, with initial focus on Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver

Nevin Barich

CANTON, Massachusetts , March 13, 2012 (press release) – Baskin-Robbins, the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, is expanding its franchise locations across Canada with an initial focus on Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. The Company is also launching its new international store design at new and existing Canadian Baskin-Robbins restaurants.

"We are actively seeking new Baskin-Robbins franchisees throughout Canada," said Bob Tipple, Director & General Manager for Baskin-Robbins Canada. "We are currently looking for entrepreneurs with a strong financial background and a passion for their local communities. By joining our team, franchisees become part of a beloved worldwide ice cream brand with more than 65 years of experience in the industry and receive world-class training and ongoing support, among other benefits."

In conjunction with its expansion initiative, the ice cream chain, which is celebrating over 40 years and more than 100 locations in Canada, is offering customers an exciting new store design that combines the best of Baskin-Robbins' heritage and hospitality while delivering a modern, sophisticated experience for its guests. Two Baskin-Robbins restaurants already sport the new look, one in the Promenade Mall north of Toronto and the other in Ottawa. In addition, Baskin-Robbins plans to remodel between 10 and 15 locations across the country with the new look in 2012.

Highlights of Baskin-Robbins' new international store design and features include:

* New bright and modern decor elements
* Relaxing lounge-style seating
* Iconic "pink spoon" door handles and textured walls reminiscent of Baskin-Robbins waffle cones
* Interactive LCD menu displays
* Improved displays of customized ice cream cakes and other delicious frozen treats

"As a Canadian franchisee whose restaurant is modeled in the new design, I've seen an increase in customer traffic and satisfaction since introducing the concept," said Lina Qu, franchisee of the Baskin-Robbins location in Ottawa. "We have also noticed families enjoying our ice cream and other frozen treats in our new and comfortable seating areas for longer periods of time and truly taking in the welcoming atmosphere of our shop."

Over six decades ago, Baskin-Robbins was founded by two ice cream enthusiasts who shared a dream to create an innovative ice cream shop that would be a neighbourhood gathering place for families. Today, over 300 million people visit Baskin-Robbins each year to sample more than 1,000 flavours available in its ice cream library, as well as enjoy its full array of frozen treats including ice cream cakes, frozen beverages and sundaes.

Franchise opportunities for Baskin-Robbins are available throughout Canada. Qualified candidates must meet Baskin-Robbins' established minimum financial requirements including a minimum net worth of CDN$300,000 and minimum liquid assets of CDN$125,000 per location. For information please call 1-800-777-9983 or log onto www.baskinrobbins.ca.

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 ice cream, specialty frozen desserts and beverages, providing quality and value to consumers at more than 6,700 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 flavours and a wide variety of delicious treats. Headquartered in Canton, Mass., Baskin-Robbins is part of the Dunkin' Brands, Inc. family of companies. For further information, visit www.baskinrobbins.ca.

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