Cold Stone Franchise | Sale, Cost, Fee

Year Began Cold Stone Franchise1992

Franchising Since: 1994

Headquarters: Scottsdale,Arizona

Estimated Number of Units: 1,235

Cold Stone is always looking for serious ice cream lovers to help spread their amazing concept and world-class brand!

 They are known for super-premium ice cream for over 25 years, people everywhere recognize the quality associated with our brand and are more likely to be repeat customers because of it.

 Part of the Kahala family of brands, Cold Stone is enjoyed in over huge locations in the U.S.  

#1. Cold Stone Franchise Opportunities

Cold Stone Franchise Opportunities; Hundreds more in over 30 international markets. Cold Stone Creamery is inviting new entrepreneurs with a passion for ice cream and the Cold Stone Creamery brand to join us as we strive to develop at home and abroad.

Over 1,000 stores operating in the U.S. and over 400 stores worldwide

Greatly expanding in U.S. Territories Currently. There is Single and Multi-Unit Deals Available also Co-branding Opportunities Available

#2. Cold Stone Franchise Cost

How much Cold Stone Franchise Cost Investment Tables:

Estimated Initial Investment
Name of FeeLowHigh
Initial Franchise Fee$8,000$27,000
Rent/Security Deposit (for 3 months)$0$26,000
Travel and Living Expenses (2 people) while training, not including salaries, if any$3,000$7,500
Real EstateVaries
Lease Review Fee$0$2,500
Architectural Fees$1,000$10,000
Leasehold Improvements$0$200,000
Exterior Signage$1,500$12,000
Equipment$8,000$130,000
PCI Compliance Costs$150$1,300
Opening Inventory$1,000$8,000
Employee Uniforms$200$800
Grand Opening Marketing & Advertising$5,000$10,000
Insurance Premiums$500$2,500
Permits and Licenses$500$3,000
Telephone and Utility Deposits and Hookups$250$1,000
Computer Training and Food Safety Certification Course$100$250
Miscellaneous$1,000$3,925
Depository Account$3,000$3,000
Additional Funds – 3-month initial period$20,000$20,000
ESTIMATED TOTAL* (Does not include real estate costs and/or rent for the business location except for the initial security deposit)$53,200$468,775

The estimated initial investment range covers from Non-Traditional to Traditional restaurant types, including Kiosks. For more details, see FDD.

Cold Stone Creamery Franchise Cost

Other Fees
Type of FeeAmount
Royalty Fee and Surcharge6% of Gross Sales plus a maximum Surcharge of $10 per week.
Advertising Fees3% of weekly Gross Sales.
Advertising Fees1% of weekly Gross Sales.
Additional People Training Fee$1,750 per person ($1,000 per person for the In-Store portion of the Training Program, and $750 per person for the New Owner Training portion of the Training Program).
Additional Training$300 per person per day.
Annual Meeting Registration FeeUp to $1,000 plus incidental costs to attend.
Depository Account$3,000 (Must be replenished on a regular basis)
Charitable ContributionsTo be determined by the franchisor.
Data FeesUp to $75 per month (subject to reasonable annual and/or service enhancement increases)
POS Help Desk Phone Support Maintenance Contract FeeUp to $55 per month
Gift Card Redemption Fee11% of the amount of gift card redemption
Renewal Fee – Traditional Restaurant50% of the then-current Initial Franchise Fee
Renewal Fee – Non-Traditional Restaurant (excluding Cold Stone Express Kiosk)50% of the then-current Initial Franchise Fee for a non-traditional location
Renewal Fee for Cold Stone Express Kiosk ONLY50% of the then-current Initial Franchise Fee for an Express kiosk ONLY
Transfer Fee – Traditional Restaurant$17,500
Transfer Fee – Non-Traditional Restaurant$5,000
Transfer Fee for Cold Stone Express Kiosk ONLY$1,000
Relocation Fee$500
Non-participation Fee$100 per day if the franchisee fails or refuses to participate in any required national, local, regional, seasonal, promotional or other programs, initiative, and campaign.
Document Administration Fee (if redraft is requested by franchisee)$500
Default Interest$50 plus interest at 1.5% per month or maximum legal rate, if less.
Document Late Charge$100 per week or partial week.
Draft Draw Charge$100 per day.
Late Charge5% of the unpaid amount or $100, whichever is greater, on royalties, advertising payments, and other amounts unpaid within 10 days.
Sublease Late Fees5% of the late or unpaid amount plus any late charges and interest incurred under the Master Lease
Collection CostsAll collection costs including reasonable attorneys’ fees.
Non-Sufficient Funds$50 for each electronic funds transfer returned for non-sufficient funds; $25 for each check or draft returned for non-sufficient funds.
AuditCost of Audit + interest at Default Rate on underpayments
Termination FeeFees of royalty and advertising (average monthly fees) which is multiplied by the number of months left of franchise agreement and the product is divided by 2
Attorneys’ Fees and CostsWill vary under the circumstances.
Indemnification of the franchisor and/or affiliates for damages suffered or incurred for the franchisee’s actions or omissions, including amounts paid on the franchisee’s behalf or to cure the breaches under the Franchise AgreementWill vary under the circumstances.
Liquidated Damages for Breach of Non-Compete Obligations under the Franchise AgreementWill vary under the circumstances.
Management Fee6% of the Franchised Business’ Gross Sales (in addition to the Royalty Fee and Advertising Fee) plus the franchisor’s direct out-of-pocket costs and expenses.

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#3. Cold Stone Franchise for Sale

What are the Cold Stone Franchise for Sale Requirements….

  1. Entrepreneurs should be with a passion for ice cream and the customer in-store experience
  2. Should be well-established food concept with a unique presentation style
  3. Potential franchise owners seeking a household brand
  4. Financial requirements should be fulfilled

Support System

Initial training = 2 weeks of training, including new franchises, do attend KTEC (Kahala Training and Education Center).

On-the-job training = New franchisees spend 80 hours in a store to learn the ins and outs of the business

On-going training = They will meet you regularly to help you and answer any of your questions, and are just a phone call away if you have questions.  Every new franchisee also receives monthly check-in calls from a Regional Director of Operations or Area Developer.

Ongoing marketing assistance = Cold Stone Creamery franchisees have access to in-house marketing and public relations teams, which significantly reduces expenses. Ongoing Marketing Team help with national, regional and local marketing.

Contact Details

Call for inquiry: (877) 948-1853

Visit for Cold Stone Franchise Application form: https://coldstonecreameryfranchise.com/

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