Franchise FAQ
Have a question about owning a Cold Stone Creamery franchise? You'll find your answer here.
- Franchising Costs
- Expected Annual Earnings
- About Building a Store
- Finding a Premier Location
- Generating Sales
- Support for Multiple Stores in the Same Town
- The Nine Steps to Owning a Franchise
How much does a Cold Stone franchise cost?
The franchise fee is $42,000. You should also plan to invest between $294,250 and $438,850 to build, equip and stock your store.
How much money can I earn each year?
Franchising law forbids all franchise concepts from answering this question. We can tell you that our average unit volume is $381,985 per year. We invite you to speak with our current franchisees to learn about their sales and profit numbers.
I've never built a store before. How does all of this work?
Your Area Developer and the Cold Stone Creamery team will guide you through all phases of the site selection, lease negotiation, construction, training, grand opening and ongoing processes for marketing and operations. Visit our Area Developers page to contact an Area Developer near you.
How do I find premier locations?
Our Area Developers and Real Estate teams work at securing the best lcoations in each city. Once you become a franchisee, you can also work with the Cold Stone Creamery team to research and suggest outstanding Cold Stone Creamery sites. Visit our Area Developers page to contact an Area Developer near you.
I'm not a marketing expert. How do I build sales?
Cold Stone's national marketing and public relations campaigns help build excitement and drive shoppers to your stores with a wide variety of local store marketing campaigns, such as school fundraisers and sampling to local businesses. Co-op marketing groups, Area Developers and other systems will support you all long the way.
What if there is already a Cold Stone in my town?
Cold Stone has mapped out a range of site opportunities globally. If a store already exists in your area, there may be enough local demand to support more stores. Ask your Area Developer or Franchise Development Manager to discuss opportunities. Visit our Area Developers page to contact an Area Developer near you.
What are the steps I must complete to own a franchise?
There are nine main steps to owning a franchise:
- Apply to Be Awarded Your Franchise
- Secure a Premier Location
- Negotiate Your Lease
- We Review the Lease
- Nail Down the Site Specifics, from Blueprints Training
- Enrollment in Cold Stone University. How Cool Is Our School?
- Manage Your Logistics: The Checklist of Success
- Build out Your Store
- Forever After, Live up to the Cold Stone Brand
Read the details by visiting our Steps to Becoming a Franchisee page.
Don't see your question here? Contact us with your question.
