Adapting to Consumer Trends in the Ice Cream Industry
At Cold Stone Creamery, franchise innovation is at the heart of everything we do. As a leader in the ice cream industry for over three decades, we’ve consistently evolved to meet changing consumer demands and market trends. Our commitment to innovation ensures that our franchise owners are well-equipped to thrive in an ever-changing business landscape.
Embracing Digital Transformation
One of the most significant areas of franchise innovation at Cold Stone Creamery has been our embrace of digital technologies and delivery services. With the restaurant industry seeing a dramatic shift towards off-premises consumption, we’ve taken proactive steps to stay ahead of the curve.
Our online ordering and delivery platforms have become integral to our business model. These systems not only cater to changing consumer preferences, but also provide our franchise owners with new avenues for growth and customer engagement.
Ben Blanchard, Regional Director of Operations for Kahala Brands™, our parent company, explains the importance of these initiatives: “Implementing third-party delivery sales through our online platforms is increasing efficiency in-store and provides customers with seamless delivery and service, regardless of where they choose to place their order.”
Driving Sales Through Innovation
Our franchise innovation efforts extend beyond just technology. We’re constantly exploring new ways to enhance the Cold Stone experience and drive sales for our franchise owners. Blanchard emphasizes two key questions that guide our innovation process:
- How does this impact a franchisee’s top-line sales?
- How does this impact a franchisee’s bottom-line profitability?
By focusing on these crucial aspects, we ensure that our innovations contribute meaningfully to our franchisees’ businesses. “Keeping those two things in mind, and holding them as almost sacred, contributes to growth in a very organic and positive manner,” Blanchard notes.
Adapting to the New Normal
The recent global changes have accelerated many of our franchise innovation initiatives. Our delivery and online platforms, which were already in development, have become even more critical in the current business environment.
“During the pandemic, that dam broke and the flood of water was a massive flow of additional sales via online,” Blanchard explains. “As time goes on, our focus will be on maintaining a large percentage of those online sales that came from new customers, but also capturing the return of more traditional sales.”
Continuous Evolution in Franchise Innovation
At Cold Stone Creamery, we understand that innovation is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process. We’re committed to staying at the forefront of industry trends and consumer preferences to support our franchise owners.
Blanchard emphasizes the importance of this approach: “In a landscape that seems to change daily, it is imperative to be nimble but cautious. Riding the industry wave, while also partnering with brands we trust to contribute to the long-term success of our franchisees, is a tricky balance – and one to be taken very seriously, in my opinion.”
Join Our Innovative Franchise Family
Cold Stone Creamery’s commitment to franchise innovation makes us an attractive opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter the ice cream industry. Our ongoing support and training, coupled with our forward-thinking approach, provide a solid foundation for business growth.
Are you ready to be part of a franchise that values innovation and adaptation? Explore our franchise information and research pages here to learn more about how you can become part of the Cold Stone Creamery family. To take the next step, fill out our form here, and we’ll be in touch for an introductory call about becoming a franchise owner. Join us in shaping the future of the ice cream industry, one scoop at a time.
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