Training and Support for Your Business, No Matter Your Background
Buying a franchise with no experience can sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. At Cold Stone Creamery, we’ve created a proven system specifically designed to guide and empower first-time business owners. Whether or not you have a background in food service, hospitality, or entrepreneurship, you’ll have everything you need to run your business. From comprehensive training to ongoing support, we’ll equip you with the tools and confidence to launch and grow your own Cold Stone Creamery.
What sets our franchisees apart isn’t a resume filled with restaurant experience—it’s their mindset. They’re community-driven, eager to learn, and excited to bring something special to their neighborhoods. At Cold Stone Creamery, we welcome people from all backgrounds and guide them through every phase of ownership. No matter your background, our process is designed to meet you where you are and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
We Built This Franchise for First-Time Owners
Cold Stone Creamery was built for people with drive—not necessarily experience. If you’re ready to take ownership and build something of your own, we’ve got the framework to help you do it. Our franchise model is designed to make getting started feel approachable, with comprehensive training from day one and ongoing support through every stage of daily operations.
New franchisees begin with hands-on training at our Kahala Training and Education Center (KTEC), followed by in-store experience to get you up to speed. You’ll learn everything from making our signature products to managing inventory and leading your team. We don’t expect you to have all the answers on day one—that’s exactly why our training is designed to be practical, easy to follow, and directly applicable to daily operations.
Once your store opens, you’re not on your own. Our team will continue to check in, provide operational support, and help you reach your goals. Whether it’s a phone call to troubleshoot a challenge or a scheduled visit from your area developer, you’ll always have someone to lean on.

Our Support Makes Buying a Franchise with No Experience Easier
Starting a franchise without prior experience is easier when you have a proven system and a supportive team behind you. At Cold Stone Creamery, we’ve helped hundreds of first-time business owners across the country open their own ice cream franchise. From store build-out and lease negotiation to marketing and social media training, we provide comprehensive support to ensure your business is set up properly.
Before you open your doors, we’ll help you secure a location that fits your goals. Our real estate team works with you to identify options in your area and guide you through the site selection process. Once your lease is signed, we help with construction and opening timelines, so you can stay on track with your goals.
Our in-house marketing team provides public relations tools, digital strategies, and national campaign support. You don’t have to figure out how to market your store on your own—we’ll walk you through it and teach you how to use social media tools to promote your location locally.
Franchisees also benefit from check-in calls with area developers or Regional Directors, who know the business and are ready to offer advice, troubleshoot challenges, and help you identify new opportunities. We’re not just teaching you how to run a store. We’re giving you a framework to build your own path forward.
You Don’t Need Experience—You Just Need the Right Mindset
We don’t require our franchisees to come from a specific background. You could be a teacher, an office worker, a first responder, or someone coming out of the corporate world. Our most important qualification is that you’re committed to learning and excited to be part of Cold Stone Creamery.
Franchisees often highlight the key habits that helped them thrive: staying organized, delivering top-notch customer service, and following a proven system. We offer you the tools, but you bring the drive. And we believe that combination can lead to something truly rewarding.
If you’re hands-on, passionate about your community, and excited to build something you can be proud of, Cold Stone Creamery could be the perfect fit. We offer a fun, supportive environment and serve up beloved ice cream products that bring joy to people every day.
Join the Cold Stone Creamery Franchise Family
If you’ve been thinking about buying a franchise, but don’t have prior experience, Cold Stone Creamery could be the perfect opportunity for you. Our proven model and dedicated support have helped people from a variety of backgrounds start their own businesses with confidence.
As part of our growing, family-friendly community, you’ll have the chance to serve our beloved ice cream creations and connect with customers in a fun and rewarding environment. Whether you’re making a career change, looking for a new challenge, or simply want to become more involved in your community, Cold Stone Creamery offers the tools and resources to help you along the way.
Ready to learn more? Fill out our interest form today, or check out our franchise research pages here for more information on how to get started. We’re ready to guide you through every step of the way!
Comments are closed