Cold Stone Creamery Franchise
Cold Stone Creamery franchises are known for providing customers with the "Ultimate Ice-Cream Experience" and set the tone for the rest of the food industry.
$100,000
$27,000
994
1994
Scottsdale,AZ
Stanley Ma
About Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone Creamery was founded in 1988 in Tempe, Arizona, by Donald and Susan Sutherland, a couple who traveled the world in search of the perfect ice cream. Sadly, they failed in their mission, so they decided to bring the world what it was missing: homemade ice cream that was a far cry from the pre-packaged, chalk-like ice cream sold in supermarkets and shops around the world. They made their first ice cream in house and on the same day customers came in to get a cup or a cone, and the brand continues to do the same today.
Not only was Cold Stone different in that it offered homemade ice cream in store, but also, it offered customers the revolutionary concept of customization. Customers could select their own toppings for their sundaes, an idea that set the standard for the rest of the food industry.
Cold Stone began franchising in 1994 and has since grown into a franchise without over 1,000 locations worldwide.
Franchise Unit Trends & Revenue
994
52
$621,052
* in 2024
Franchise Fees
$27,000
Veteran's Fee: $8,000 - $21,600
6.0%
Gross Sales
2.0%
Gross Sales
Why Choose Cold Stone Creamery?
Cold Stone Creamery is a rapidly growing brand, one with a strong reputation for a quality product and an amazing food experience. The industry itself is also booming and is worth over $8 billion, making it a lucrative and intriguing venture.
Cold Stone leaders also provide everything you need to be successful in your endeavors. From help with site selection and initial training to ongoing training, marketing support and access to countless resources, the franchisor does everything in its power to ensure each store owner has what he or she needs to succeed.
Starting Costs & Investment Requirements
$50,200 - $467,525
$250,000
$100,000
Training & Support
The initial franchise fee includes training for two individuals. You are also required to complete a food and safety manager training program at your own expense. 40 hours of classroom training and 80 hours of on-the-job training.
History
As mentioned above, Cold Stone Creamery was founded by ice cream fanatics Donald and Susan Sutherland after they traveled the world in search of the perfect ice cream and failed to find it. In response to the shortage, they decided to try their hands at ice cream making themselves, an endeavor for which they were clearly cut out. They opened their first ice cream shop in Tempe, Arizona, a college town. In that first shop, they made their ice cream in house and on the same day customers came in for a sundae or cone. All Cold Stone creamery shops continue to do the same.
In 1994, the couple began franchising their brand, recognizing that the quest for the perfect ice cream is what could make Cold Stone a huge success. They took a gamble and it paid off.
In 2007, Kahala Brands, one of the world's most reputable franchisors who holds a portfolio of nearly 20 international brands, took control of Cold Stone Creamery. Since then, the franchise has dominated the ice cream market. It is now in nearly 30 international markets and has over 1,000 locations in the United States.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Cold Stone franchise candidate is someone who is passionate about ice cream and who believes that ice cream should be much more than a food, but an experience. This person has $100,000 in liquid capital, a net worth of $250,000 and a desire to bring quality ice cream to the people of his or her community.
Restaurant and Food Franchises
Franchises up to $100,000
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