Explore Why Now is the Perfect Time to Own a Business
If you’re exploring opportunities to own a business, Cold Stone Creamery offers an exciting option in a thriving industry. Ice cream businesses continue to enjoy strong demand as consumers seek high-quality desserts. According to IBISWorld, the dessert industry has seen consistent growth over the past five years, with revenue reaching $20.4 billion in 2024. Despite challenges like rising inflation, demand for ice cream and soft serve products remains strong, driven by increasing disposable income and evolving customer preferences.
Owning a Cold Stone Creamery means tapping into this growing market with a brand that is synonymous with quality. Our commitment to making super-premium ice cream fresh daily ensures our stores stand out from the competition.
What Makes Cold Stone Creamery Stand Out?
At Cold Stone Creamery, we’ve built our reputation on delivering the Ultimate Ice Cream Experience®. Our ice cream is made fresh in-store every day, using proprietary recipes that ensure unmatched flavor and quality. But it’s not just about ice cream—we also craft ice cream cakes, cupcakes, and sandwiches, giving customers a wide variety of options to enjoy.
Customers love visiting our stores for customizable treats, and our ability to provide a memorable experience keeps them coming back. Franchise owner Ruth Spiegel from Florida shared, “We have control of the quality, which is really important. When I go visit friends, I always take some Cold Stone Creamery ice cream to them.”
Our ability to stand out is about more than just our menu. From the joyful experience of watching ice cream mixed on a frozen granite stone to the exceptional service our employees provide, Cold Stone Creamery delivers a unique experience that sets us apart in the crowded dessert industry.
Shifting Customer Preferences Are Driving Growth
The ice cream market is evolving rapidly, and customer preferences are shaping its future. This growth is fueled by rising disposable incomes, the popularity of innovative flavors, and the increasing demand for health-conscious options like dairy-free and low-sugar ice creams.
At Cold Stone Creamery, we’ve embraced these trends by offering seasonal and limited-edition flavors, catering to adventurous tastes while maintaining the classics our customers love. Whether it’s summer-inspired fruit flavors or decadent holiday-themed options, we ensure there’s always something new to look forward to.
As IBISWorld notes, operators in the dessert industry that offer a wider variety of products are likely to attract more customers. That’s why Cold Stone Creamery continues to innovate, providing options for every customer, from indulgent creations to lighter, customizable treats.
Serving Communities Through Ownership
Owning a Cold Stone Creamery isn’t just about running a business—it’s about becoming a valued part of your community. Every day, our stores help people celebrate life’s special moments, from birthdays and anniversaries to casual nights out with friends. As franchisee Kyle Welch from Illinois shared, “When people come into our store, they come in happy. They leave even happier because we serve them the best ice cream in the world.”
Our franchisees also find it rewarding to work with young employees, many of whom are starting their first jobs. Franchisee Jeff Wallach from New Jersey reflected, “The most rewarding part of Cold Stone ownership is bringing smiles to people’s faces. I also enjoy working with young kids, especially those who have never had a job before.”
Becoming a Cold Stone Creamery owner gives you the opportunity to connect with your community while building a business that spreads joy.
Why This Year Is the Perfect Year to Own a Business
The dessert industry’s steady growth makes now an ideal time to invest in an ice cream business. While the pandemic disrupted the industry briefly in 2020, the subsequent rebound has been remarkable. According to IBISWorld, as consumers returned to dessert stores following the lifting of lockdowns, industry revenue experienced significant growth.
The global ice cream market’s expansion is another indicator of the opportunity available. Customers increasingly value unique experiences, which Cold Stone Creamery provides in abundance. From the theater of mix-ins on the stone to the chance to create one-of-a-kind desserts, our brand is uniquely positioned to meet the demands of today’s consumers.
What’s more, ice cream businesses are resilient to economic fluctuations. As IBISWorld notes, per capita dairy consumption and disposable income are key drivers of industry demand, ensuring consistent customer interest even during challenging times.
Cold Stone Creamery’s Commitment to Franchisee Growth
When you join the Cold Stone Creamery family, you benefit from decades of experience and a franchise model designed to help owners thrive. Our comprehensive training programs, marketing support, and proven business strategies make it easier to start and grow your business.
We also understand that every community is unique, which is why we provide tools and resources to help franchisees tailor their operations to local needs. As franchisee Fred Willis from Arizona explains, “We have the best ice cream, and that’s number one. We also have the best customer experience. The U.S. loves ice cream, and nobody, no other brand can touch our ice cream.”
Own a Business with Cold Stone Creamery
If you’re ready to own a business with Cold Stone Creamery, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Visit our research pages here to learn more about the Cold Stone Creamery franchise opportunity, or fill out our form here to start a conversation with our franchise team. We look forward to speaking with you!
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