Climbing to #156 in Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500
Cold Stone Creamery is proud to announce that we have secured the #156 spot in the annual Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list, a significant jump from last year’s #287 placement. This recognition highlights the strength of our brand, the dedication of our franchise owners, and the continued demand for premium ice cream.
For those considering franchise ownership, this ranking is a key indicator of industry performance. The annual Entrepreneur Franchise 500 evaluates businesses based on financial strength, franchisee support, and brand stability—giving aspiring entrepreneurs a trusted resource when researching investment opportunities.
Understanding the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Ranking
The Entrepreneur Franchise 500 is widely regarded as the most comprehensive ranking in the franchise industry. For over four decades, Entrepreneur has used a rigorous evaluation process to assess franchise brands across multiple industries.
Key criteria include:
- Costs & Fees – Initial investment, franchise fees, and ongoing financial commitments.
- Support & Training – The level of guidance provided to franchisees.
- Brand Strength – A franchise’s reputation, stability, and potential for expansion.
- Financial Performance – A franchise’s ability to generate consistent revenue.
“An impressive 1,366 companies supplied all the required information this year,” says Entrepreneur. “Each eligible franchisor was scored based on more than 150 data points, and those with the highest cumulative scores became this year’s Franchise 500.”
Cold Stone Creamery’s rise in the rankings demonstrates our ongoing commitment to franchisee support, innovation, and product quality.
Why Cold Stone Creamery Stands Out
Since our founding in 1988, Cold Stone Creamery has set itself apart by offering freshly made ice cream, mixed with a variety of toppings, to create one-of-a-kind treats. Unlike mass-produced brands, we craft our ice cream in-store daily, ensuring that every scoop is rich, creamy, and customizable.
With hundreds of locations in the U.S. and internationally, we continue to expand, bringing our signature creations to even more communities.
The Benefits of Owning a Cold Stone Creamery Franchise
Investing in a Cold Stone Creamery franchise means joining a brand with a proven track record. Our franchisees benefit from:
- Comprehensive Training – No prior restaurant experience required. We provide hands-on training to set franchise owners up for long-term growth.
- Marketing & Operational Support – We help drive customer traffic with national marketing campaigns and ongoing business guidance.
- Third-Party Financing Options – We have established partnerships to assist with franchise fees, startup costs, and equipment purchases.
Cold Stone Creamery offers a business model that blends passion for great ice cream with a supportive franchise system, making it an appealing choice for those looking to enter the food service industry.
Join a Top-Ranked Franchise with Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone Creamery’s Franchise 500 ranking reinforces the strength of our brand and the opportunities available for franchisees. As we continue to grow, we invite entrepreneurs to explore what makes Cold Stone Creamery an exciting investment.
To learn more about franchising with us, visit our research pages here or fill out our form here to start the conversation. We look forward to helping you take the next step toward franchise ownership with Cold Stone Creamery!
Comments are closed