Cold Stone Creamery

Yes. Cold Stone Creamery is a franchise in the food & beverage category, which means you can own and operate a Cold Stone Creamery location under a franchise agreement with the franchisor. The total initial investment to open one ranges from $310K – $603K. The franchisor provides the brand, systems, and ongoing support in exchange for an initial franchise fee and royalties, all disclosed in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Total initial investment to open a Cold Stone Creamery franchise ranges from $310K – $603K according to the latest Franchise Disclosure Document. The actual cost depends on territory, build-out, and local market conditions. Request the full FDD on this page for Item 7's full investment breakdown.

The Cold Stone Creamery initial franchise fee is $28K – $60K, paid to the franchisor at signing. This is separate from total investment and does not include build-out, equipment, or working capital.

Cold Stone Creamery operates 908 active locations as of the most recent FDD filing. Request the latest FDD for state-by-state distribution and openings/closures from Item 20.

Cold Stone Creamery was founded in 2008, giving the brand 18 years of operating history. Brand longevity matters in franchising because it correlates with refined operations, established supplier relationships, and a tested franchisee playbook.

Cold Stone Creamery unit-level profitability depends on location, operating costs, staffing, and management. When a franchisor makes an earnings claim, it appears in Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, the only place franchise financial performance is officially disclosed. Request the Cold Stone Creamery FDD on this page to review any Item 19 financial performance representation.

Submit a request through this page to receive the Cold Stone Creamery Franchise Disclosure Document. The FDD contains everything you need to evaluate the opportunity: Item 7 investment, Item 19 financial performance, Item 20 unit counts and franchisee turnover, and Item 21 audited financials. There is no cost or obligation to request the FDD.

The current Cold Stone Creamery FDD can be requested directly through this page. Franchise Disclosure Documents are federally regulated by the FTC and must be provided to prospective franchisees at least 14 days before signing any binding agreement or paying any fee.