Cold Stone Creamery™ franchise is excited about what's ahead for the brand in 2019. After a busy year of expansion in 2018, our franchise development team is committed to growing into new markets throughout the United States.
Recently, we spoke with Jay Goldstein,Vice President of Franchise Development, about Cold Stone's successes last year and what to expect in franchise growth for 2019.
What were some of the highlights of franchise development for 2018?
Goldstein: I am always excited to see our existing franchisees decide they would like to expand their businesses and add locations to their portfolios. That was a highlight in 2018.
Additionally, many have chosen to add to their existing stores by bringing in one of our co-branded options that are available, such as Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory or Planet Smoothie.
It was a good year for franchise development, as franchisees grew their businesses personally within the Cold Stone Creamery network.
Are there any specific markets you're targeting for franchise development in 2019?
Goldstein: Yes! We are looking to grow in such places as Nashville, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, upstate New York "" to name a few. But if your city isn't on that list, don't worry. We'd love to talk with you because we know that there are still a lot of places in the U.S. that are underserved for delicious, premium ice cream, and Cold Stone would be a great fit in those communities.
Who makes an ideal Cold Stone franchisee?
Goldstein: Anyone who has a passion for delivering a great product through exceptional customer service. We don't even require previous experience in the restaurant or retail industries; our team has an unbelievable training program that can get anyone ready for business ownership, followed by ongoing, multi-layered support by all of our critical departments. We just need candidates to be decisive, outside-the-box thinkers who still want to be part of a larger collective.
Why is 2019 the year for someone to join Cold Stone as a franchisee?
Goldstein: Our brand is pivoting into some pretty spectacular things for franchisees to embrace that will help them be more successful, including our loyalty program that was rolled out system-wide in 2018 and our third-party delivery option that will, hopefully, help owners see an increase in sales and profits.
Anything else you'd like to add about franchise growth and development, where you've been, and where you're headed?
Goldstein: Cold Stone continues to lead the frozen treat category with best-in-class product. Pairing that product with the right people to deliver it through their great operations is a constant focus for us, and I look forward to more people enjoying our ice cream as we expand our brand. We're excited at Cold Stone for all the good things to come in 2019!
Become a Cold Stone Creamery franchisee in 2019
Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Cold Stone Creamery is owned by parent company Kahala Brands™, one of the fastest-growing franchising companies in the world, with a portfolio of 28 quick-service restaurant concepts.
Cold Stone Creamery franchise now has more than 1,000 stores in the United States and a presence in nearly 30 international markets.
2019 is the year to join the Cold Stone Creamery network of franchisees. Find out more by requesting a copy of our free Franchise Information Report or exploring the research pages on our franchise website.