The history of Cold Stone Creamery is a tale of innovation and indulgence. Beginning with the first store in 1988, this article charts the brand’s journey from its unique mix-in technique on a frozen granite stone to an international enterprise. Discover the key milestones that have cemented Cold Stone as an iconic name in the ice cream industry.
Key Takeaways
Cold Stone Creamery began in 1988 in Tempe, Arizona, with a unique ice cream experience involving freshly made ice cream mixed with a variety of mix-ins on a frozen granite stone, a concept that differentiated it from competitors.
The brand experienced rapid growth through franchising internationally, boasting over 30 locations worldwide, strategic alliances, and robust franchise support, while ensuring menu innovation including super-premium ice cream with high butterfat content.
Despite challenges like financial struggles, competitive pressures, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Cold Stone plans to expand to new locations and enhance their online ordering platform while continuing to innovate their menu offerings.
The Birth of a Frozen Icon: Cold Stone Creamery’s Beginnings
Cold Stone Creamery’s journey began with Donald and Susan Sutherland’s vision—to revolutionize the frozen dessert landscape. Their dream was to create the ultimate ice cream experience. They weren’t just looking to create another ice cream shop; they wanted to craft the perfect ice cream. A delicious treat that would eclipse both traditional hard packed and soft-serve varieties.
In the sunny city of Tempe, Arizona, the first Cold Stone Creamery store opened its doors in 1988, marking the birth of a new era in ice cream indulgence. From the outset, Cold Stone was different. The Sutherlands insisted on making fresh ice cream right in the store, ensuring each batch was as fresh as possible.
The brand name, ‘Cold Stone Creamery,’ acknowledges the signature frozen granite stone central to their ice cream preparation process. This iconic Cold Stone Creamery brand started with a simple concept: create an unforgettable ice cream experience by blending rich ice cream with an array of mix-ins on a frozen stone.
As Cold Stone Creamery’s identity continued to develop, the Sutherlands stayed steadfast in their mission. Ice cream lovers flocked to the store, enticed by the promise of crafting their custom frozen confections. The allure of watching their ice cream being mixed on a frozen granite stone was irresistible, and the first Cold Stone Creamery became a landmark for those in pursuit of the perfect ice cream.
A Franchise Unfolds: The Expansion of Cold Stone Creamery
Following the initial excitement surrounding the first Cold Stone Creamery, the brand quickly started expanding. Franchising became the vehicle for expansion, and in 1994, Cold Stone Creamery launched into the franchising world. The very next year, the first franchise store opened in Tempe, Arizona, echoing the success of the original and paving the way for widespread expansion.
Soon, the brand’s influence spread beyond the Phoenix metropolitan area, with the first out-of-state franchise opening in Camarillo, California, and the company’s growth became a testament to the franchisees’ passion for the business. But the ambition of Cold Stone Creamery knew no borders. The brand expanded to over 30 different countries, including:
Denmark in 2008
Canada in 2009
Nigeria in 2012
Turkey in 2015
These international franchises showed that the world was craving not only the Cold Stone ice cream experience but also unique treats like chocolate covered crickets.
April 2023 marked another milestone with the grand opening of the first Cold Stone Creamery store in the United Kingdom, situated in the bustling Charing Cross Road. Furthermore, strategic alliances and co-branding initiatives with entities like Tim Hortons in 2009 and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory amplified Cold Stone’s growth, delighting customers worldwide with a medley of sweet treats.
The success of Cold Stone as a franchise can be attributed to more than just delicious ice cream. It’s about the creation of an ultimate ice cream experience that franchisees can deliver in their exclusive territories. From the training provided by the franchisor to the joy of crafting ice cream creations in-house, every Cold Stone Creamery franchise is a hub of happiness for ice cream lovers.
Innovations on the Granite Stone: Cold Stone Creamery’s Product Evolution
Cold Stone Creamery has always prioritized innovation. The use of a granite stone to blend delicious mix-ins with fresh, sweet cream ice cream was inspired by Steve Herrell’s pioneering techniques, setting a new standard in frozen desserts. This tradition of innovation continues today, with a continuous flow of new ice cream flavors and creations that keep the menu dynamic and exciting.
Dr. Maya Warren, Cold Stone Creamery’s Tastemaster, along with the research and development team, tirelessly work to create flavors that resonate with the latest global culinary trends. The result? An ever-evolving menu of super-premium ice cream that features a high butterfat content between 12 to 14 percent and a low overrun, ensuring each spoonful is rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
Cold Stone distinguishes itself not only through the quality of its ice cream but also through the customizability it offers. Ice cream lovers can walk into any Cold Stone Creamery and have their ice cream mixed with a variety of fresh fruits, nuts, candies, and other mix-ins, all on the iconic frozen granite stone. This ability to create personalized frozen confections is what makes the brand a favorite among those who seek a unique and ultimate ice cream experience.
The Sweet Taste of Success: Key Milestones and Achievements
The journey of Cold Stone Creamery has been sprinkled with numerous accolades and milestones that showcase the brand’s undeniable success. Notably, Cold Stone was recognized as the sixth best-selling brand of ice cream in the United States, an affirmation of its popularity and the high regard in which its frozen treats are held. In fact, Cold Stone Creamery sold a remarkable number of ice cream servings to achieve this status.
Further emphasizing its impressive growth trajectory, in 2006, Entrepreneur magazine named Cold Stone Creamery the 11th fastest-growing franchise. This recognition reflects not only the brand’s financial achievements but also its ability to consistently innovate and captivate the hearts of ice cream enthusiasts across the nation and beyond.
Scooping Happiness: Cold Stone Creamery’s Customer Experience and Culture
Customer happiness is fundamental to Cold Stone Creamery’s values. Every visit to a Cold Stone store is curated to be an exceptional encounter, known as The Ultimate Ice Cream Experience. This ethos is about more than just serving ice cream; it’s about creating moments of joy and making every customer feel special.
The brand’s diverse menu ensures that there is something for everyone, from traditional favorites to innovative seasonal offerings like ‘Boo Batter!’ for Halloween. Cold Stone Creamery’s dedication to variety and ability to meet diverse customer preferences has helped forge a strong and loyal community around the brand.
For those with dietary restrictions, Cold Stone Creamery goes the extra mile. The Ice Cream FAQ section on its website provides information on:
gluten-free products
lactose-free products
low-fat products
kosher-certified products
This ensures that all customers can indulge in the joy of free ice cream. This inclusivity is part of what makes Cold Stone a beloved ice cream shop for all ice cream lovers.
Chilling Challenges: Overcoming Obstacles in the Ice Cream Industry
Despite its significant achievements, Cold Stone Creamery has faced its fair share of challenges, including:
Financial struggles, including lawsuits from franchisees and creditors
The competitive landscape of the ice cream industry
The need to keep pace with evolving consumer health trends
These challenges have tested the company’s resilience, but Cold Stone has continued to navigate them.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought additional strain, with temporary store closures and a hit to cash flow, exacerbating pre-existing financial concerns. Operational costs for franchisees remained high, a reality that, for some, led to the difficult decision to close their stores.
Ineffective marketing strategies that failed to communicate Cold Stone’s unique offerings also posed a challenge, particularly as the brand struggled to maintain its market position internationally, as evidenced by the closure of its Singapore locations in January 2020.
From Stone to Cone: The Future of Cold Stone Creamery
As Cold Stone Creamery looks to the future, it refuses to rest on its achievements. With plans for expansion from their cold stone creamery’s headquarters, the brand is set to open new stores in states such as:
Florida
Illinois
New Mexico
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Texas
This strategic growth initiative includes hundreds of new locations, signaling Cold Stone’s commitment to bringing its super-premium ice cream to a wider audience.
Innovation remains a top priority, with new menu items slated for introduction in 2023. The brand also recognizes the importance of convenience in today’s fast-paced world and will continue to enhance its online ordering platform, which has seen a significant uptick in usage since the onset of the pandemic.
Cold Stone Creamery’s forward-thinking approach ensures that the ultimate ice cream experience will keep evolving, with the promise of new flavors, expanded reach, and an unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. As the brand moves from stone to cone, the future looks as sweet and exciting as the ice cream creations it so masterfully crafts.
Summary
In conclusion, Cold Stone Creamery’s history is a rich tapestry of innovation, expansion, and an undying commitment to happiness. From the birth of an iconic brand to overcoming industry challenges and looking forward to a promising future, Cold Stone has cemented its place as a leader in the ice cream world. As the brand continues to scoop out happiness, one cone at a time, it invites ice cream lovers everywhere to be part of its chillingly sweet success story.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Cold Stone Creamery start?
Cold Stone Creamery was founded in 1988 by Donald and Susan Sutherland, who were passionate about finding the perfect ice cream.
What is special about Cold Stone Creamery?
Cold Stone Creamery specializes in serving high-quality ice cream, cakes, smoothies, and shakes using only the finest ingredients, along with their unique process of preparing custom ice cream creations on a frozen granite stone.
Why is cold stone so expensive?
Cold Stone Creamery’s emphasis on using high-quality, fresh ingredients is one reason for its higher cost compared to other ice cream shops. This approach often leads to a higher cost, as quality ingredients are typically more expensive.
What is cold stone franchise fee?
The total investment estimate for a Cold Stone Creamery franchise ranges from $53,200 to $602,775. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, and other associated costs.
Who founded Cold Stone Creamery?
Cold Stone Creamery was founded by Donald and Susan Sutherland in 1988.
