Own a business offering a customizable treat that never loses consumer appeal
Cold Stone Creamery™ has spent more than 30 years scooping out a solid niche in the ice-cream industry. What’s led to this brand’s go-to status as a best-bet franchise opportunity for smart entrepreneurs? Quite a few reasons. First, the Cold Stone Creamery business model, which features strong support from Kahala Brands™. Then there’s the product, which is made in-store and customizable literally hundreds of ways — a pathway to repeat business. And then there’s the loyal base of customers, who routinely rank Cold Stone Creamery as their favorite ice cream destination.
“Cold Stone Creamery has put all the pieces together to build a solid business,” says Jay Goldstein, Vice President of Franchise Development. “The product is high-quality, something that’s been recognized by consumers and industry-watchers alike. And thanks to Kahala’s expertise in building brands, all the support is there not just to start strong, but to continue growing over time.”
Cold Stone Creamery rakes in awards
Consider the recognition that Cold Stone Creamery has gotten as a brand. Over the last couple of years, it’s been named to Franchise Chatter’s top frozen desserts list, as well as called a best chain by Restaurant News. Cold Stone Creamery has also claimed a spot-on Entrepreneur magazine’s legendary Franchise 500 list.
Those are the kinds of accolades that point to a business with solid footing. The food-service industry has had a rough couple of years, so it’s even more telling that Cold Stone Creamery is continuing to expand its nationwide footprint even during a tough economic period.
“We overcame a lot in 2020, and we’re a far stronger brand as a result,” Goldstein says. “Millions of people couldn’t travel, but they could visit their local Cold Stone Creamery – and they did, repeatedly. Our family of positive franchise owners weathered the storm and did so with the help of their very loyal communities.”
The ice cream industry looks sweet for entrepreneurs
Now consider where the ice-cream industry is going in the future. According to Grand View Research, the global ice cream market size was valued at $79 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2022 to 2030. And for entrepreneurs outside the United States, there’s good news as well:
“Factors such as the rising demand for innovative flavors, types, and the rising demand for impulse ice creams such as cones, sandwiches, and pops in developing countries are expected to drive the market growth,” according to Grand View. “The increasing health consciousness among consumers is also expected to fuel the demand for premium ice creams in the upcoming years.”
Where does Cold Stone Creamery fit in the ice cream industry?
Coupled with Cold Stone Creamery’s strong brand recognition, these indicators point to a franchise opportunity with solid potential to start strong and develop a following in most any market.
With 34 years of operational growth worldwide, Cold Stone Creamery is a leading player in the growing frozen-dessert category. Research And Markets refers to the brand as a “major market player” in its Global Ice Cream Market Report 2022, a status that has also been accorded Cold Stone Creamery by other industry watchers.
Kahala Brands provides unmatched franchise support
Cold Stone Creamery ice cream shop franchise owners know they are in business for themselves, but not by themselves, Goldstein points out. That means the Kahala team has done all the hard work of putting together point-of-sale and back-office systems that are easy to use, providing support with targeted marketing and promotions that are right for both national and individual-market campaigns, advisory panels that let franchise owners contribute to product R&D, and anything else an owner might want help with along the way.
“Through thoughtful, deliberate development of systems that can support both experienced entrepreneurs and new business owners,” he says. “Kahala has created a pathway to small-business ownership that works in markets of all sizes.”
Cold Stone Creamery also offers franchise owners one of the most robust training platforms in the entire franchise industry, meaning aspiring business owners will never be alone.
New owners attend the Kahala Brands Training and Education Center, as well as spend two weeks in a store where every aspect of the business – making ice cream, serving the product, managing inventory and marketing – is covered. And training doesn’t stop there. Cold Stone Creamery hosts monthly check-ins to help business owners meet their goals and help. They also have access to in-house marketing and public relations teams, significantly reducing expenses and providing unparalleled support.
Own a Cold Stone Creamery franchise today!
Cold Stone Creamery franchise now has locations across the United States and a presence in multiple international markets. We still have optimal territory available for new franchise expansion and development. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Cold Stone Creamery is owned by parent company Kahala Brands™, one of the world’s fastest-growing franchising companies with a portfolio of 28 quick-service restaurant concepts.
Bring an ice cream store to your community that’s likely to become a go-to destination for customers. To learn more, we invite you to fill out our form here to start a conversation with our franchise team, or explore our research pages here.
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