Back Ground Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield were childhood friends, born just four days apart. Both men were born in Brooklyn, New York in Ben attempted college but ended up dropping out Jerry on the other hand graduated from college but was denied his application to medical school The two ended up running into each other back in new York and decided to start their own business.
The Start Ben Cohan and Jerry Greenfield decided to open an ice cream shop. They settled in Burlington because there wasn’t an ice cream shop in that area and with a $12,000 loan, they opened their first shop in an old gas station. They offered everyone a free cone for their first year anniversary to get the name across to everyone and that tradition is still carried out today.
Getting known Once the two made enough money to spread their business, they opened their first franchise in Maine. They also started selling their ice cream in grocery stores in pint sized containers. After the store selling's became a success they decided to buy a mobile home and drive across the country and give away scoops of ice cream.
Today Today Ben and Jerry’s ice cream is nation wide business. The original founders Ben and Jerry no longer have anything to do with the company and do not participate in any day to day activities, but just their name keeps the business alive.