A Rising Leader in the Franchise Times Top 400
Cold Stone Creamery is proud to announce a significant move up the Franchise Times Top 400 list, climbing into the top 100 and surpassing our position from the previous year. This prestigious ranking is the result of several months of research and reporting, making it one of the most objective benchmarks in the industry. By measuring the largest franchise systems based on systemwide sales, the list provides an in-depth look at which brands are truly leading the market. Our jump in rankings validates what we’ve known since our first shop opened in 1988: our unique approach to premium ice cream treats is a powerful model built for long-term growth.
This year’s ranking represents a major milestone that highlights our steady upward momentum and the hard work of our dedicated franchise owners. Because both our sales and total units have grown significantly over the past few years, this climb demonstrates that our commitment to crafting ice cream fresh in-store, offering a family-friendly atmosphere, and giving guests nearly endless choices to craft their perfect treat continues to outperform the competition and resonate with guests across the country. This ranking also serves as a clear signal to entrepreneurs that the business model we’ve built over nearly four decades is more effective than ever.
The Proven Systems & Legacy Behind Cold Stone’s Growth
Strategic moves into new markets are a major fuel for our recent growth. By expanding into the South and Southeast, we’re giving entrepreneurs the chance to introduce our famous treats to audiences who haven’t yet experienced a local Cold Stone Creamery. This means bringing our signature Creations folded on the granite stone, hand-crafted ice cream cakes, fresh-packed pints, and premium waffle cones to a whole new group of fans. By reaching these new territories, we’re able to grow our fan base even more and strengthen our brand presence across the country.
But what truly sets us apart is the way we help our owners prepare for business. Every new franchisee receives thorough training, which includes hands-on practice in preparing our ice cream, crafting our products, managing inventory, and much more. We also assist with key steps like finding the right location, designing the store, and ongoing marketing strategies to help you attract guests. With this high level of comprehensive support in place, it’s easier than ever to own a business with the backing of a top franchise brand that’s continuing to grow.
Join a Brand on the Move
This latest Franchise Times Top 400 ranking confirms that Cold Stone Creamery is a brand with a strong trajectory. For those looking to enter the ice cream or food service industry, there’s a clear advantage in aligning with a system that’s spent years perfecting the balance of high-quality products and operational efficiency. As we continue to grow and be recognized in the franchise space, we’re looking for motivated individuals who are ready to bring our legendary treats to their communities and play a role in our continued journey as a market leader.
Excited to take the next step? We encourage you to check out our research pages for in-depth information about our franchise model, support systems, training programs, and available markets. To get started, complete the inquiry form here to start the conversation with our team and find out how you can become a Cold Stone Creamery franchise owner.
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