FRANCHISE RESALES

Buy a Cold Stone Creamery Franchise

Cold Stone Creamery, part of the Kahala Brands portfolio, is renowned for its innovative approach to ice cream with customizable creations mixed on a frozen granite stone. Established in 1988 and franchising since 1995, Cold Stone has grown to over 900 locations worldwide, offering a unique “Ultimate Ice Cream Experience.” Known for its fun, interactive atmosphere where employees sing and engage with customers while crafting treats, Cold Stone Creamery stands out in the ice cream market. As part of the Kahala family of 29 brands, including Pinkberry and Blimpie, Cold Stone benefits from robust franchise support and brand recognition. The brand emphasizes high-quality ingredients, from super-premium ice cream to creative mix-ins, catering to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.

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Why buy a Cold Stone Creamery Franchise?

Owning a Cold Stone Creamery franchise offers an affordable entry into a well-established, popular ice cream brand with a proven business model that has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs succeed. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive training, ongoing support, and access to a strong marketing system. The brand’s flexible store formats and broad appeal enable owners to serve diverse customer bases in high-traffic locations. With a relatively low initial investment starting around $120,700 and a scalable model, Cold Stone Creamery provides the opportunity to build a profitable business in the growing specialty dessert market. No prior industry experience is required, making it accessible for passionate entrepreneurs ready to engage their community with a beloved product.

Cold Stone Creamery Franchise Costs & Information

Based on 2025 data reported in the 2026 FDD

  • Brand Profile

    • Year Founded

      1988

    • Franchising Since

      1994

    • New Startup Cost

      $255,700 – $680,775

    • Avg. Resale Price

      Contact us for details

  • Franchise Fees

    • Initial franchise Fee

      $10,000 – $27,000

      for new territories

    • Transfer Fee

      $17,500

    • Royalty Fee

      6%

      of Gross Sales

    • Marketing Fee

      3%

      of weekly Gross Sales

  • Unit Performance

    • Total Units *

      1054

    • New Units Opened *

      63

    • Units Transferred *

      79

    • Avg. Unit revenue *

      $604,392

    * Based on 2025 data reported in the 2026 FDD

Cold Stone Creamery – Additional  Information

  1. Training & Support

    Cold Stone Creamery provides comprehensive support to franchisees, including training at the Kahala Training and Education Center (KTEC) and two weeks of in-store training. Franchisees learn ice cream preparation, inventory management, marketing strategies, and customer service, ensuring they are well-prepared to manage their store successfully. Ongoing support includes operational guidance, marketing assistance, and a dedicated support team.

  2. Ideal Owner

    The ideal Cold Stone Creamery franchisee is a customer-focused entrepreneur with a passion for desserts and food service. They should be energetic, organized, and skilled in team management within a fast-paced setting. Experience in food service or retail is a plus, along with a dedication to delivering high-quality products and excellent customer service.

  3. Recognition & Awards

    Cold Stone Creamery has earned numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the top ice cream brands in various national and regional “Best Ice Cream” awards. The brand has consistently been ranked in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500, highlighting its strong market presence and franchisee satisfaction.

  4. Industry / Market

    The global ice cream market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2023 to 2030. This growth is driven by trends in unique flavors, healthier options, and sustainable practices. Cold Stone Creamery's focus on customization, quality, and sustainability aligns with these trends, positioning it well in the expanding market.

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