Are you considering stepping into the world of premium ice cream franchises? If so, Cream Stone is undoubtedly one of the most promising opportunities in India. With its unique “frozen stone” concept and an ever-growing customer base, Cream Stone has solidified its place as a top contender in the food and beverage (F&B) industry.
In this blog, we will uncover everything you need to know about the Cream Stone franchise cost in 2024, including investment requirements, types of franchises available, fees, profit margins, and much more. Let’s get started on your journey to becoming a successful Cream Stone franchise owner!
Who is Cream Stone?
Image – Source
Cream Stone is an ice cream boutique that has been redefining dessert experiences since 2009. Designed for those who crave variety and customization, it offers hand-mixed, exotic ice creams crafted on a frozen stone.
This unique process blends flavours and toppings to create desserts tailored to individual tastes, setting Cream Stone apart from typical ice cream parlours.
With boutique-style stores offering a cosy ambience, Cream Stone caters to both on-the-go customers and those who prefer a relaxed, indulgent setting. Starting in Hyderabad, the brand has expanded to major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, and more, becoming a pioneer in premium, customizable ice creams.
Why Cream Stone Franchise is Popular in India?
Cream Stone has become synonymous with innovation and quality in the Indian dessert industry. Here’s why the franchise continues to thrive in 2024:
- Unique Customization Concept: Cream Stone allows customers to create their own ice cream by choosing flavours, toppings, and mix-ins, which are blended on a frozen stone. This personalization enhances the customer experience.
- Premium Product Offering: The brand uses high-quality ingredients to produce rich and creamy ice cream that appeals to a broad audience, including families, millennials, and children.
- Wide Market Appeal: Ice cream is a universal treat, and Cream Stone has capitalized on this with its trendy offerings and premium positioning.
- Strategic Brand Marketing: Cream Stone invests heavily in marketing campaigns, from social media promotions to loyalty programs, ensuring consistent footfall across all outlets.
- Robust Franchise Support: From operational training to marketing assistance, Cream Stone provides comprehensive support to its franchisees, reducing the risk of business failure.
Types of Cream Stone Franchise Available
In 2024, Cream Stone offers flexible franchise models tailored to different markets and budgets:
1. Standalone Stores:
- These are full-fledged outlets designed to serve a variety of customers in high-footfall areas.
- Requires larger space (1000–1500 sq. ft.) and higher investment.
- Ideal for bustling commercial streets, tourist hubs, and major cities.
2. Kiosks or Takeaway Outlets:
- Compact models suitable for malls, airports, and high-traffic urban locations.
- Requires less space (300–500 sq. ft.) and offers quicker ROI due to lower operational costs.
3. Hybrid Models:
- Combines dine-in and takeaway experiences, offering maximum flexibility to cater to varied customer preferences.
- Best suited for semi-urban and urban markets with moderate space requirements.
Cream Stone Franchise Cost Overview (2024)
Image – Source
Starting a Cream Stone franchise in 2024 involves a strategic financial investment tailored to the chosen format and location. This breakdown provides an in-depth look at the costs and what they cover to ensure potential franchisees understand the financial landscape.
1. Initial Investment Costs
The initial investment forms the foundation of the franchise setup, covering all essential infrastructure, equipment, and branding requirements.
Standalone Stores
- Estimated Cost: ₹40–₹50 lakhs
- Description: Standalone stores are larger outlets ideal for high-traffic areas such as shopping districts, main streets, and tourist hubs. These stores cater to a more diverse audience and require substantial space (1000–1500 sq. ft.), allowing for dine-in and takeaway services.
Kiosks
- Estimated Cost: ₹20–₹25 lakhs
- Description: Kiosks or compact takeaway models are designed for malls, airports, and other high-footfall locations where space is limited. These require smaller areas (300–500 sq. ft.) and a reduced setup cost compared to standalone stores.
2. Franchise Fees
Franchise fees are a one-time payment that secures the rights to operate under the Cream Stone brand name and access the company’s proprietary systems and expertise.
Fee Structure
- Cost: ₹5–₹10 lakhs
- The exact fee depends on the store format (standalone or kiosk) and the location’s market potential.
What Does the Fee Cover?
- Brand Usage Rights: Franchisees gain the legal right to operate using the Cream Stone brand, logo, and menu. This ensures that all outlets maintain a consistent identity, fostering trust among customers.
- Proprietary Systems Access: Cream Stone provides access to its well-defined operational protocols, recipes, and supplier networks, ensuring franchisees can deliver a seamless and high-quality experience to customers.
- Initial Training: The fee includes training for staff and franchise owners, covering key areas such as:
- Product preparation and presentation.
- Customer service standards.
- Equipment handling and maintenance.
3. Royalty Fees
Royalty fees are ongoing payments calculated as a percentage of the franchise’s monthly revenue. These fees ensure continued support and growth for the franchise and the brand as a whole.
Percentage Structure
- Range: 6–8% of monthly revenue
- The percentage varies based on the store format and location performance.
Purpose of Royalty Fees
1. Brand-Wide Marketing Campaigns:
-
- Cream Stone invests in nationwide marketing efforts, including digital advertising, influencer partnerships, and seasonal campaigns.
- Franchisees benefit from increased brand visibility and footfall without bearing the full cost of marketing independently.
2. Operational Support:
-
- Continuous support from the franchisor ensures that franchisees can address operational challenges efficiently.
- This includes regular updates to menus, product innovations, and troubleshooting assistance.
3. Technology and Software Maintenance:
-
- Royalty fees help maintain and upgrade POS systems, inventory management software, and data analytics tools.
- These systems enable franchisees to streamline their operations and maximize profitability.
4. Training and Development:
-
- Cream Stone conducts periodic training sessions to update staff on the latest industry trends, customer engagement strategies, and operational improvements.
Why Are Royalty Fees Important?
- For the franchisee, the royalty fees represent an investment in continued brand support, innovation, and marketing efforts, which ultimately drive sales and profitability.
- For the franchisor, the fees provide the necessary funds to sustain brand growth, maintain consistency across outlets, and ensure all franchisees benefit from shared resources.
Cost Summary
| Expense Type | Standalone Stores | Kiosks | What It Covers |
| Initial Investment | ₹40–₹50 lakhs | ₹20–₹25 lakhs | Setup, interiors, equipment, and technology |
| Franchise Fees | ₹5–₹10 lakhs | ₹5–₹10 lakhs | Brand rights, proprietary systems, training |
| Royalty Fees (% of Revenue) | 6–8% | 6–8% | Marketing, operational support, training |
Investment Requirements for Cream Stone Franchise
To ensure a successful franchise launch, potential franchisees must meet the following requirements:
1. Capital Requirements: Minimum capital of ₹25–₹50 lakhs to cover setup and initial operational expenses.
2. Location Criteria:
- Prime areas with heavy footfall, such as malls, shopping complexes, or main streets.
- Accessibility and visibility are crucial for customer attraction.
3. Space Requirements:
- Standalone Stores: 1000–1500 sq. ft.
- Kiosks: 300–500 sq. ft.
4. Operational Setup:
- A professional team to manage day-to-day operations.
- Strong focus on maintaining product quality and customer service.
Cream Stone Franchise Fees and Agreements
The franchise agreement forms the foundation of the relationship between Cream Stone and its franchisees, ensuring mutual benefit and operational efficiency. Here’s a closer look at the key aspects:
1. Franchise Fees
Cream Stone charges a one-time franchise fee ranging from ₹5–₹10 lakhs. This fee grants franchisees the legal rights to operate under the brand name, access proprietary systems, and benefit from Cream Stone’s established reputation.
The fee also covers initial training and support, providing franchisees with the tools they need for a successful launch. The fee varies depending on the store format (standalone or kiosk) and the market potential of the selected location.
2. Renewal Fees
Franchise agreements typically last for 5–7 years. Once the term ends, franchisees must renew their agreement to continue operating under the Cream Stone brand. The renewal fee ensures that franchisees remain aligned with updated operational guidelines, market strategies, and brand developments.
3. Royalty Structure
Franchisees are required to contribute 6–8% of their monthly revenue as royalty fees. These fees support brand-wide activities, such as national marketing campaigns, technological advancements, and continued training. For franchisees, the royalty ensures consistent support and innovation, enabling them to maintain profitability and competitiveness.
4. Training Costs
Cream Stone provides comprehensive training to franchise owners and their staff. This training, included in the franchise fee, focuses on product preparation, customer service, equipment handling, and operational best practices.
Regular updates ensure that franchisees are equipped to adapt to evolving customer preferences and market trends. By covering these critical aspects, the franchise agreement establishes a strong framework for success, benefiting both the franchisor and franchisee.
Profit Margins and ROI of Cream Stone Franchise
The financial prospects of owning a Cream Stone franchise in 2024 are highly lucrative, making it a top choice for entrepreneurs. Here’s an in-depth analysis:
1. Revenue Potential
A Cream Stone franchise generates an average monthly revenue of ₹6–₹10 lakhs, depending on factors like location, store format, and customer traffic. High footfall areas like malls, shopping districts, and tourist spots tend to drive higher revenues.
2. Profit Margins
Operating profit margins typically range from 30–40%. These margins are achieved through efficient supply chain management, low food wastage, and premium pricing. The brand’s established reputation allows franchisees to command higher prices while maintaining consistent demand.
3. ROI Timeline
One of the biggest advantages of a Cream Stone franchise is its quick Return on Investment (ROI). Most franchisees recover their initial investment within 18–24 months, provided the business is well-managed and strategically located. This rapid ROI is a testament to the brand’s robust business model and customer loyalty.
4. Seasonal Trends
While ice cream is popular year-round, sales peak during the summer months. Seasonal campaigns, such as summer-special flavours and promotional offers, further boost revenue during these periods. Franchisees should plan their operations to capitalize on this demand while managing lower footfall during colder months.
Overall, the combination of strong revenue potential, attractive profit margins, and quick ROI makes Cream Stone a profitable and sustainable business opportunity in 2024.
Benefits of Owning a Cream Stone Franchise
Owning a Cream Stone franchise in 2024 offers numerous benefits, from financial rewards to comprehensive support. Let’s explore these in more detail:
1. Established Brand
Cream Stone is a trusted name in India’s premium ice cream segment. By leveraging the brand’s recognition and loyal customer base, franchisees can attract consistent footfall and achieve faster market penetration.
2. Comprehensive Support
The franchise team provides end-to-end assistance, including staff training, marketing strategies, and supply chain management. This robust support system ensures franchisees have the resources to overcome challenges and maximize profitability.
3. High Demand
India’s growing middle class and increasing preference for premium food experiences ensure steady demand for Cream Stone products. The unique “frozen stone” concept adds novelty, drawing both first-time and repeat customers.
4. Scalable Business Model
Cream Stone allows successful franchisees to scale their operations by opening additional outlets. This scalability offers entrepreneurs long-term growth opportunities, particularly in emerging urban and semi-urban markets.
5. Innovative Product Line
Regularly updated menus featuring new flavours, seasonal offerings, and special promotions keep customers engaged. The brand’s ability to innovate ensures its relevance in a competitive market.
6. Strong ROI Potential
The combination of premium pricing, strong customer loyalty, and efficient operations results in attractive profit margins. Franchisees can achieve financial stability and grow their businesses rapidly.
7. Proven Business Model
The brand’s tried-and-tested operational framework minimizes risks and simplifies the path to success. Franchisees benefit from Cream Stone’s extensive experience and market insights.
How to Apply for a Cream Stone Franchise in 2024?
Applying for a Cream Stone franchise is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can get started:
1. Submit an Online Application
Visit the official Cream Stone website and complete the franchise application form. Provide details about your financial capacity, proposed location, and business experience.
2. Evaluation Process
The Cream Stone team reviews the application to assess suitability. Factors like location potential, market demand, and the applicant’s financial and operational readiness are considered during this phase.
3. Approval and Agreement
Once approved, the franchisee signs the agreement, outlining responsibilities, operational guidelines, and financial terms. This formalizes the partnership and allows preparations for the store setup to begin.
4. Training and Launch
Cream Stone provides comprehensive training covering product preparation, equipment handling, customer service, and marketing. Franchisees receive ongoing support during the setup phase and post-launch to ensure a smooth start.
This transparent and efficient process allows aspiring franchisees to seamlessly join the Cream Stone family and start their entrepreneurial journey.
Challenges of Running a Cream Stone Franchise
While Cream Stone provides robust support, franchisees must navigate certain challenges:
1. High Initial Investment
The significant upfront costs (₹20–₹50 lakhs) can be a barrier for some investors. Franchisees need a solid financial plan to manage setup expenses and initial operational costs. Access to financing or partnerships can help alleviate this challenge.
2. Location Dependency
Success heavily relies on securing a prime location with consistent footfall. Franchisees must conduct thorough market research to identify ideal locations. Malls, commercial areas, and high-traffic streets are preferred for maximizing revenue.
3. Operational Consistency
Maintaining uniformity in product quality, customer service, and brand standards is critical. Franchisees must invest in continuous staff training and implement strict quality control measures to meet customer expectations.
4. Seasonal Demand Fluctuations
While sales peak during summer, colder months may see a decline in demand. Franchisees should plan for these fluctuations by introducing off-season promotions or complementary products to sustain revenue.
5. Staff Retention
Hiring and retaining skilled employees is a challenge in the competitive food service industry. Providing competitive salaries, employee incentives, and a positive work environment can help build a loyal team.
By addressing these challenges strategically, franchisees can ensure the long-term success of their Cream Stone outlets.
Conclusion
Cream Stone continues to be a top choice for entrepreneurs in 2024, thanks to its innovative concept, established brand reputation, and profitable franchise model.
Whether you opt for a standalone store or a kiosk, the opportunity to tap into India’s growing dessert market is both exciting and rewarding. Take the first step by visiting Cream Stone’s official website and exploring this lucrative business opportunity.
FAQs
What is the total investment required for a Cream Stone franchise in 2024?
The total investment ranges from ₹20–₹50 lakhs, depending on the franchise format (standalone or kiosk) and the location’s market potential. This includes setup costs, franchise fees, and initial operational expenses, ensuring a fully operational and branded outlet.
What is the profit margin for a Cream Stone franchise?
Profit margins typically range from 30–40%, with an average monthly revenue of ₹6–₹10 lakhs. Factors such as location, customer footfall, and operational efficiency play a significant role in achieving these margins, making effective management crucial for success.
Does Cream Stone provide marketing support?
Yes, the franchise team assists with both local and national marketing campaigns to drive customer engagement and brand visibility. Franchisees also benefit from seasonal promotions and social media campaigns designed to increase footfall and revenue.
How long is the franchise agreement valid?
Typically, the agreement is valid for 5–7 years, with renewal options available to extend the partnership. Renewal ensures franchisees stay aligned with updated operational guidelines and benefit from new brand initiatives and strategies.
Can I open multiple Cream Stone outlets?
Yes, existing franchisees can apply for additional outlets based on their performance and adherence to brand standards. Expanding with multiple outlets allows successful franchisees to scale their business and maximize profitability in different regions.
Featured Image – Source