Year Began Cold Stone Franchise: 1992
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 Fee | Low | High |
| 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 Estate | Varies | |
| 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 Fee | Amount |
| Royalty Fee and Surcharge | 6% of Gross Sales plus a maximum Surcharge of $10 per week. |
| Advertising Fees | 3% of weekly Gross Sales. |
| Advertising Fees | 1% 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 Fee | Up to $1,000 plus incidental costs to attend. |
| Depository Account | $3,000 (Must be replenished on a regular basis) |
| Charitable Contributions | To be determined by the franchisor. |
| Data Fees | Up to $75 per month (subject to reasonable annual and/or service enhancement increases) |
| POS Help Desk Phone Support Maintenance Contract Fee | Up to $55 per month |
| Gift Card Redemption Fee | 11% of the amount of gift card redemption |
| Renewal Fee – Traditional Restaurant | 50% 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 ONLY | 50% 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 Charge | 5% of the unpaid amount or $100, whichever is greater, on royalties, advertising payments, and other amounts unpaid within 10 days. |
| Sublease Late Fees | 5% of the late or unpaid amount plus any late charges and interest incurred under the Master Lease |
| Collection Costs | All 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. |
| Audit | Cost of Audit + interest at Default Rate on underpayments |
| Termination Fee | Fees 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 Costs | Will 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 Agreement | Will vary under the circumstances. |
| Liquidated Damages for Breach of Non-Compete Obligations under the Franchise Agreement | Will vary under the circumstances. |
| Management Fee | 6% 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. |
Related Franchise Ideas:
#3. Cold Stone Franchise for Sale
What are the Cold Stone Franchise for Sale Requirements….
- Entrepreneurs should be with a passion for ice cream and the customer in-store experience
- Should be well-established food concept with a unique presentation style
- Potential franchise owners seeking a household brand
- 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/