How Much Does a Cold Stone Creamery Franchise Cost?
Data from the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document
Investment Summary
Total Investment
$391K – $681K
Franchise Fee
$27K
Royalty
6.0%
Ad Fund
3.0%
Cost Breakdown
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for Cold Stone Creamery is $27K. This one-time payment covers the right to operate under the brand, access to proprietary systems, and initial training programs.
Total Investment Range
Opening a Cold Stone Creamery franchise requires a total investment of $391K – $681K. This range typically includes real estate or leasehold improvements, equipment and fixtures, initial inventory, signage, insurance, and working capital to sustain operations during the ramp-up period.
Working capital alone ranges from $20K to $20K.
Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial investment, Cold Stone Creamery franchisees pay ongoing fees. The royalty fee is 6.0% of gross sales (Percentage of Gross Sales). The advertising or brand fund contribution is 3.0% of gross sales.
Net Worth & Liquid Capital Requirements
Cold Stone Creamery requires working capital of $20K – $20K to cover initial operating expenses. This is the liquid cash you should have available beyond the franchise fee and buildout costs.
What Can You Earn?
According to Cold Stone Creamery's Item 19 financial performance representation:
Median gross sales: $574K
This figure comes from Item 19 of the FDD. Gross sales are not the same as take-home profit. After deducting royalties, ad fund fees, rent, labor, and COGS, net income is typically a fraction of gross revenue.
How Do Banks View Cold Stone Creamery?
SBA Loans Issued
1,090
Default Rate
31.0%
The SBA (Small Business Administration) tracks loan performance for franchise brands. Cold Stone Creamery has 1,090 SBA-backed loans on record. The default rate is 31.0%, which is above the franchise industry average, suggesting higher lending risk. A lower default rate generally indicates that lenders view the franchise as a safer investment, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
Next Steps
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