Cold Stone Creamery charges a royalty fee of 6.0% of gross sales (2025 FDD). This ongoing fee is typically paid weekly or monthly to the franchisor for continued use of the brand and support systems.

The total ongoing fee rate for a Cold Stone Creamery franchise is approximately 9.0% of gross sales (2025 FDD). This includes the royalty fee, a 3.0% marketing/advertising fund contribution, a $75/month technology fee, and other recurring charges.

Cold Stone Creamery has been involved in 5 litigation cases over the past 3 years (2025 FDD). There are no class action lawsuits pending.

No, the Cold Stone Creamery franchisor has no bankruptcy filings in their disclosure history (2025 FDD).

Cold Stone Creamery offers non-exclusive territory rights to its franchisees (2025 FDD). The franchise agreement does not include encroachment protection. Online sales rights are shared between the franchisor and franchisee.

Cold Stone Creamery currently operates 994 locations (2025 FDD) (992 franchised, 2 company-owned). The system grew by 4.3% over the past year. The 3-year compound annual growth rate is 2.9%.

The 1-year franchisee turnover rate for Cold Stone Creamery is 6.2% (2025 FDD). This includes closures, terminations, non-renewals, and transfers. A lower turnover rate generally indicates higher franchisee satisfaction and system stability.

According to the Cold Stone Creamery FDD Item 19 financial performance representation (2025 FDD), the median gross sales per unit is $587K (average: $621K).

The initial franchise agreement term for Cold Stone Creamery is 10 years (2025 FDD). Franchisees can renew 1 time for 5-year periods. The total potential term is 15 years.

Cold Stone Creamery's post-termination non-compete clause restricts former franchisees from operating a competing business for 2 years within 10 miles of the former location (2025 FDD).

Yes, Cold Stone Creamery's franchise agreement requires mandatory arbitration for dispute resolution (2025 FDD). The agreement includes a jury trial waiver.

Cold Stone Creamery provides 120 hours of initial training over approximately 3 weeks (2025 FDD). Ongoing field support is provided on a as-needed basis.

Yes, Cold Stone Creamery provides site selection assistance to help franchisees find the right location (2025 FDD). The franchisor also provides technology support and systems.