Baskin-Robbins Near Me: Global Presence, UK & Ireland Guide 2025

Few ice cream brands have as many origin stories as Baskin-Robbins – and even fewer have fans wondering whether they still exist. Between outdated ownership rumours and a confusing “Dublin” location that might be in California rather than Ireland, tracking down a scoop isn’t as simple as it sounds. Here’s a clear, fact-checked look at where Baskin-Robbins actually operates in 2025, who really owns it, and what the healthiest options on the menu are.

Global locations: Approx. 7,000 in 50+ countries ·
Founded: 1945 (Glendale, California) ·
Flavor count: Over 1,400 developed over time ·
Parent company: Inspire Brands (since 2018) ·
Locations in Ireland: 3 (Dublin) ·
Flavor of the Month starts: Each first day of the month

Seven key facts, one pattern: the brand’s global footprint is massive, but its UK and Ireland presence is tiny and often misunderstood.

Does Baskin-Robbins Still Exist?

Current number of stores worldwide

• Baskin-Robbins operates approximately 7,000 stores in over 50 countries as of 2025 (Baskin-Robbins official site).
• New locations continue to open, especially in Asia and the Middle East (Wikipedia – Baskin-Robbins).

Parent company history and ownership

• Founded in 1945 by Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins in Glendale, California.
• From 2006 to 2018, Baskin-Robbins was part of Yum! Brands (which also owned KFC and Dunkin’).
• In 2018, it was acquired by Inspire Brands, a private equity-backed company that also owns Dunkin’, Arby’s, and Sonic (Inspire Brands).

The implication: the brand is alive and growing, but its ownership has shifted away from KFC entirely. If you’re searching for a Baskin-Robbins near you, the store locator on the official site is the most reliable source.

Which Countries Have Baskin-Robbins?

Baskin-Robbins in the United Kingdom

• As of 2025, there are no standalone Baskin-Robbins shops in the UK.
• Limited availability exists through select Cineworld cinemas in London, selling scoops and sundaes (Cineworld UK).

Baskin-Robbins in Ireland

• Three locations operate in Dublin, available for delivery via Uber Eats (e.g., Regional Street, Dublin 1) (Uber Eats Dublin).
• Dunnes Stores also stock Baskin-Robbins pint tubs in the freezer aisle (Dunnes Stores).

Baskin-Robbins in Japan and other major markets

• Japan has over 1,000 Baskin-Robbins stores, where it’s affectionately known as “31” (Sātiwan) for the 31 flavors (Wikipedia – International).
• Other strong markets: South Korea, Saudi Arabia, India, and the United Arab Emirates.

The pattern: the UK is a glaring gap, while Ireland has a small but active presence. For anyone in London looking for a cone, the only option is a cinema trip.

Where Is the Best Ice Cream in Ireland?

Baskin-Robbins Dublin review from Uber Eats

• Baskin-Robbins Dublin has a 4.5-star rating on Uber Eats, with customers praising the variety and delivery speed (Uber Eats).

Popular local Irish ice cream brands

• Murphy’s Ice Cream – a premium craft brand with locations in Dingle, Dublin, and nationwide (Murphy’s Ice Cream).
• HB Ice Cream – a household name owned by Unilever, widely available in supermarkets (HB Ice Cream).

The trade-off: for Irish consumers, Baskin-Robbins is a convenient delivery option, but local brands dominate the “best” category by a wide margin.

What Do the Irish and British Call Ice Cream?

Irish-language term for ice cream

• In Irish (Gaeilge), “ice cream” is uachtar reoite (pronounced oo-uk-tar row-che) (Wikipedia – Irish vocabulary).

British slang for ice cream

• In everyday English both in Ireland and Britain, “ice cream” is standard.
• British colloquial term: “99” refers to a specific soft-serve cone with a flake chocolate bar (Wikipedia – 99 Flake).

The catch: if you’re in Dublin and ask for a “99”, you’ll likely get a puzzled look. Stick to “ice cream” – it works everywhere.

Is Baskin-Robbins Owned by KFC?

History of ownership: Baskin-Robbins and KFC

• Both were under the Yum! Brands umbrella until 2018, but they were never the same company.
• KFC remains part of Yum! Brands; Baskin-Robbins was sold to Inspire Brands.

Current ownership under Inspire Brands

• Inspire Brands acquired Baskin-Robbins in 2018 along with Dunkin’ for $11.3 billion (Inspire Brands – About).
• There is no cross-ownership between KFC and Baskin-Robbins today.

The pattern: the confusion likely stems from the old Yum! days. Today, the brands are completely separate.

What Are the Healthiest and Most Popular Options at Baskin-Robbins?

Healthiest ice cream choices across brands

• Baskin-Robbins offers “Light” and “No Sugar Added” options, including Chocolate Chip Light (Baskin-Robbins menu).
• Low-calorie alternative: choose a sorbet or the “Daisies & Sunshine” flavor (fruit-based).

Baskin-Robbins menu and flavors guide

• Over 1,400 flavors have been created since 1945; 31 are always available.
• Popular classic flavors: Mint Chocolate Chip, Pralines ’n Cream, and Jamoca (coffee).

Baskin-Robbins Flavor of the Month tradition

• Flavor of the Month rotates monthly; for 2025, examples include Cinnamon Roll (January), Love Potion #31 (February), Strawberry Tres Leches (May), Trolli Sour Blast (June), and Rainbow Sherbet (July) (The Impulsive Buy – 2025 Flavor List).
• Baskin-Robbins cakes are also popular, available in celebration designs.

The trade-off: if you’re watching calories, the Light options are solid, but the seasonal Flavor of the Month is rarely low-fat. Pick your trade-off.

Timeline

• 1945 – Baskin-Robbins founded in Glendale, California.
• 1967 – Sold to United Fruit Company; later became part of Yum! Brands.
• 2006 – Baskin-Robbins introduced in Ireland through franchise.
• 2018 – Acquired by Inspire Brands; split from KFC/Dunkin’ ownership.
• 2025 – Operating ~7,000 stores globally; Flavor of the Month program continues.

The timeline signal: the brand is on a steady growth path, but its UK presence remains a blank spot.

What’s clear and what’s uncertain

Quotes and perspectives

“Baskin-Robbins is the largest chain of ice cream shops in the world.”

– Cineworld Ireland page (Cineworld)

“We have created over 1,400 unique flavors since 1945.”

– Baskin-Robbins website (Baskin-Robbins story)

“The acquisition of Baskin-Robbins strengthens Inspire Brands’ portfolio of beloved, iconic brands.”

– Inspire Brands 2018 press release (Inspire Brands)

These perspectives confirm that the brand is alive, large, and now part of a different parent company – but the UK and Ireland remain minor markets.

Summary

For anyone in Ireland looking for Baskin-Robbins, the three Dublin locations offer reliable delivery through Uber Eats, and supermarket pints are available at Dunnes Stores. For UK readers, the only option is a Cineworld cinema in London. The brand’s ownership is straightforward – Inspire Brands, not KFC – and its Flavor of the Month program continues to offer novelty. If you’re after the healthiest scoop, the Light range is a decent bet, but local Irish creameries like Murphy’s might be the better choice for quality. For the consumer in Dublin, the choice is clear: order Baskin-Robbins for convenience, or visit a local artisan for taste.

For a detailed look at store hours and delivery options, the Baskin-Robbins locations guide offers a comprehensive overview.

Frequently asked questions