How To Open An Ice Cream Business With Cold Stone Creamery

Launching Your Ice Cream Business with Cold Stone Creamery

If you’re wondering how to open an ice cream business, Cold Stone Creamery makes the process simple and rewarding. With a strong brand presence, a proven business model, and extensive franchisee support, we help entrepreneurs bring the joy of premium ice cream to their communities.

From your initial inquiry to the grand opening, we provide the tools and training needed to build a thriving business. In this blog, we’ll show you just how easy Cold Stone Creamery makes becoming a franchisee!

Step 1: Submit Your Request

The first step to becoming a Cold Stone Creamery franchise owner is to complete our inquiry form here. This helps us learn more about you and have your information on file to reach out for next steps. We look for candidates who are passionate about our brand and excited to create a fun and welcoming environment for customers.

To qualify, franchise candidates need:

• A minimum net worth of $250,000
• At least $125,000 in liquid capital
• A willingness to follow our proven business model

Step 2: Review Franchise Disclosure Documents

After we have an initial introductory call, we provide you with a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). This document details everything you need to know about the investment, training, ongoing support, and expectations of franchise ownership. It’s important to review this carefully and consult with financial and legal advisors as needed.

Step 3: Secure a Prime Location

Real estate is the first step in opening your ice cream business. Cold Stone Creamery works closely with new and growing franchisees to find the best locations based on customer traffic, visibility, and accessibility. Our team helps evaluate potential sites, negotiate leases, and ensure that your store meets brand standards.

Cold Stone Creamery locations typically thrive in shopping centers near movie theaters and supermarkets, strip malls alongside coffee shops and restaurants, and in mall food courts with steady customer traffic.

Step 4: Build Your Store & Prepare for Opening

Once your location is secured, it’s time to build your Cold Stone Creamery store. We provide detailed guidelines and work with trusted vendors to ensure a smooth buildout. Our team assists with store layout and design, equipment installation, and signage and branding compliance.

During this phase, franchisees also participate in extensive training at our Kahala Training and Education Center (KTEC). Training covers every aspect of store operations, from making our super-premium ice cream to managing daily business tasks.

Step 5: Complete Training & Learn the Business

Cold Stone Creamery offers a comprehensive initial training program for all franchisees, totaling 120 hours. This includes 80 hours of on-the-job training in an operational store, where franchisees gain hands-on experience. The remaining time is devoted to in-class instruction, covering key areas such as marketing strategies, financial management, and operational best practices. Additionally, franchisees benefit from ongoing coaching, with monthly check-ins and continued education available throughout their ownership. This program is designed to equip franchisees with the necessary skills to run a thriving Cold Stone Creamery location, even without prior experience in the restaurant or service industry.

Step 6: Marketing & Grand Opening Support

A strong marketing strategy is crucial when learning how to open an ice cream business. Cold Stone Creamery provides extensive marketing assistance, including national and regional advertising campaigns, public relations support for local outreach, and social media training for platforms like Facebook®, Instagram®, and Twitter®. Our in-house marketing and PR teams work with franchisees to build awareness and drive customer traffic, promoting a confident launch and long-term growth.

Step 7: Open Your Cold Stone Creamery Franchise

After training is complete and your store is built, it’s time for the grand opening! Cold Stone Creamery supports franchisees with launch promotions and operational guidance to ensure a smooth start. From your first day in business, you’ll be part of a network of franchisees and corporate support teams committed to your store’s ongoing development.

Learn More about How to Open an Ice Cream Business with Cold Stone Creamery

Cold Stone Creamery is a nationally recognized brand with a full system to support new business owners. With prime markets still available, Cold Stone Creamery could be the opportunity you have been looking for.

Learn more about the Cold Stone Creamery franchise business model, the cost to franchise, and more about how we support you in business by visiting our research pages here. If you are ready to start a conversation with our franchise team about opening your own Cold Stone Creamery, fill out our form here. We look forward to hearing from you!