Cream Stone, founded in 2009, has become one of India’s most popular premium ice cream and dessert brands. Known for its live cold-stone preparation style, unique flavours, mix-ins, and indulgent experience, Cream Stone attracts families, youth, and dessert lovers across metro cities and tier-2 towns. Its attractive menu, modern interiors, and strong brand recall have inspired many entrepreneurs to explore franchise opportunities.
In this article, we break down the total Cream Stone franchise cost in India, complete investment breakdown, space needs, profit potential, and whether this franchise is the right business for you.
About the Cream Stone Brand
Cream Stone offers handcrafted ice creams prepared on a frozen stone slab, offering customers customized flavours and toppings. The menu includes premium flavours, seasonal specials, thick shakes, sundaes, and exclusive creations.
The brand’s biggest strengths are high-quality ingredients, creative flavours, experiential preparation, and a strong loyal customer base. This gives franchise owners a good advantage in the competitive dessert market.
Is Cream Stone a Franchise or Company-Owned Model?
Cream Stone operates on a franchise-owned, franchise-operated (FOFO) model.
Entrepreneurs invest in the outlet, follow brand guidelines, and run daily operations.
The company provides training, menu standardization, machinery guidance, branding, supply-chain support, and operational training to maintain consistency across all outlets.
Total Cream Stone Franchise Cost in India
The total investment required to start a Cream Stone outlet in India generally ranges between ₹30 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
The exact amount depends on the city, shop size, kiosk vs. full store format, interior design standards, and equipment requirements.
Prime high-footfall locations and mall setups may require higher investment.
Cream Stone Franchise Cost Breakdown
Here is a realistic breakdown of the investment:
- Franchise Fee: ₹5 lakh to ₹8 lakh
- Store Interiors & Furniture: ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh
- Kitchen Equipment & Cold-Stone Preparation Setup: ₹5 lakh to ₹7 lakh
- Freezers, Display Counters & Storage: ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh
- Initial Ice Cream Stock & Raw Material: ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh
- Staff Training & Pre-Launch Expenses: ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh
- Branding, Signage & Launch Marketing: ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh
- Working Capital Reserve: ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh
- Security Deposit / Rental Advance: As per location
Together, these costs place the average investment close to ₹30–50 lakh for a complete Cream Stone outlet.
Space & Location Requirement
The ideal Cream Stone store size usually ranges between:
- 250 to 600 square feet for regular outlets
- 100 to 200 square feet for kiosk-style formats
Preferred locations include:
- Premium market streets
- High-traffic malls
- Near multiplexes and entertainment zones
- Busy food hubs and high-density residential areas
A visible location with strong walk-in potential significantly boosts revenue.
Menu & Operational Model
Cream Stone follows a cold-stone mixing concept where ice cream is prepared fresh in front of customers. The menu includes:
- Signature cold-stone ice creams
- Premium flavours
- Thick shakes
- Sundaes
- Brownie and waffle-based desserts
- Seasonal specials
Operations are simple but require trained staff for mixing, portioning, hygiene, and customer interaction.
Cream Stone Franchise Profit Margin & ROI
A well-performing Cream Stone outlet can generate:
- Monthly Revenue: ₹4 lakh to ₹12 lakh
- Net Profit Margin: 18% to 28%
This places the estimated monthly profit between ₹80,000 to ₹2.5 lakh, depending on sales volume and outlet location.
The expected return on investment (ROI) period is generally 18 to 30 months.
Cream Stone Franchise Royalty & Ongoing Charges
Cream Stone typically charges:
- A royalty fee on monthly sales (percentage disclosed during agreement)
- Additional recurring costs such as raw material orders, utilities, staff salaries, rent, packaging, maintenance, and local marketing
Since ice cream parlours depend heavily on consistency, maintaining product quality is essential to retain customers.
Support Provided by Cream Stone
The company offers strong franchise support, including:
- Complete store layout and interior design
- Machinery and equipment setup guidance
- Staff hiring and training modules
- Recipe and menu standardization
- Quality control and hygiene protocols
- Supply-chain and procurement guidance
- Marketing, promotional campaigns & store launch support
- Ongoing operational monitoring and assistance
This structured support makes it easier for new entrepreneurs to operate successfully.
Who Should Invest in a Cream Stone Franchise?
A Cream Stone franchise is suitable for individuals who:
- Have capital availability of ₹30–50 lakh
- Can secure a high-footfall commercial space
- Want to enter the dessert & F&B industry
- Prefer a brand with strong customer loyalty
- Are ready for active involvement in daily operations
It may not be suitable for investors seeking low-cost or passive-income models.
Risks & Challenges to Consider
Some challenges in running a Cream Stone outlet include:
- Strong competition from other dessert brands
- Seasonal fluctuations in ice cream sales
- High electricity bills due to freezers
- High rental costs in premium areas
- Need for trained staff to maintain product quality
Good location selection and strong management significantly reduce these risks.
How to Apply for a Cream Stone Franchise
Interested investors can apply by:
- Contacting Cream Stone’s official franchise division
- Sharing financial capacity and preferred location
- Undergoing brand verification and site approval
- Signing franchise agreement and paying the franchise fee
- Completing interior setup, staff training, and equipment installation
- Launching the outlet with brand-supported marketing
Conclusion
The Cream Stone franchise in India is a mid-to-high investment dessert business backed by a strong brand identity and loyal customer base. With a total investment of ₹30–50 lakh, premium menu offerings, and attractive profit potential, Cream Stone can be a rewarding business opportunity for serious entrepreneurs.
Success depends on choosing the right location, maintaining product consistency, and offering a great customer experience. For those ready to invest and actively manage the store, Cream Stone can be a profitable long-term venture.
Santosh Kumar, the author behind IndiasStuffs.com, is passionate about sharing valuable insights on a variety of topics, including lifestyle, technology, and Indian culture.
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