In the world of desserts, ice cream continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Indians. Among the premium ice cream brands in India, Cream Stone stands out for its innovative concept of serving customized ice creams blended with various toppings on a cold stone. Its unique approach and premium quality have made Cream Stone a household name, especially among dessert enthusiasts.
If you’re planning to enter the food and beverage industry, opening a Cream Stone franchise can be an excellent business opportunity. In this article, we’ll explore the Cream Stone franchise cost in India, the investment structure, profit potential, and other important aspects to help you make an informed decision.
Why Choose Cream Stone as a Franchise?
Cream Stone has carved a niche in the ice cream industry with its distinctive concept and high-quality offerings. Here’s why owning a Cream Stone franchise can be a rewarding business:
- Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Cream Stone is renowned for its cold stone concept, allowing customers to personalize their ice creams with a wide range of flavors and toppings.
- Premium Brand Image: The brand has positioned itself as a premium ice cream brand catering to a diverse audience.
- Growing Demand: The demand for premium, experiential dessert brands like Cream Stone is on the rise, especially in urban and semi-urban areas.
- High Profit Margins: The ice cream business is known for its attractive profit margins, particularly in the premium segment.
- Support System: Cream Stone provides extensive support to its franchisees in terms of training, marketing, and operations, ensuring a smooth business journey.
Cream Stone Franchise Cost in India
To open a Cream Stone franchise, you’ll need to invest in several key components, including the franchise fee, infrastructure setup, equipment, and operational expenses. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Franchise Fee
The franchise fee for Cream Stone typically ranges between ₹8 lakh and ₹12 lakh, depending on the location and size of the outlet. This one-time fee grants you the license to operate under the Cream Stone brand name and access their products and business model.
2. Setup Costs
Setting up a Cream Stone outlet involves creating a visually appealing and customer-friendly environment. The setup costs include:
- Interiors and Design: Premium interiors, seating arrangements, and branding elements that align with the brand’s standards.
- Cold Stone Equipment: The specialized equipment required to prepare and serve customized ice creams.
- Technology Setup: POS systems, billing software, and other technological requirements.
The setup costs can range between ₹25 lakh and ₹35 lakh, depending on the size and location of the store.
3. Inventory and Equipment
You’ll also need to invest in initial inventory, including raw materials (ice cream bases, toppings, mix-ins, etc.) and other equipment such as freezers and storage units. The cost for inventory and equipment typically amounts to ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh.
4. Royalty Fees
As a Cream Stone franchisee, you’ll need to pay a royalty fee, which is usually a percentage of your monthly sales. The royalty fee is typically 5% to 8% of gross revenue.
5. Working Capital
In addition to the above costs, you should allocate ₹5 lakh to ₹8 lakh for initial operational expenses such as salaries, utility bills, and marketing during the first few months.
Total Investment Estimate
Adding all these components, the total investment required to start a Cream Stone franchise in India typically falls between ₹50 lakh and ₹70 lakh, depending on factors such as location, store size, and customer base.
Space Requirements
To open a Cream Stone franchise, you need a commercial space that aligns with the brand’s premium image. The typical space requirements are:
- Carpet Area: 800 to 1,200 square feet.
- Preferred Locations: High-visibility areas like shopping malls, high streets, or popular food hubs.
The cost of renting or purchasing the space is not included in the franchise investment and will vary based on the city and locality.
Profit Potential
Cream Stone franchises offer substantial profit potential, thanks to the brand’s popularity and the high demand for premium desserts in India. Here’s what you can expect:
- Revenue Potential: A Cream Stone outlet can generate monthly revenue of ₹8 lakh to ₹15 lakh, depending on the location and foot traffic.
- Profit Margins: The profit margins in the premium ice cream business typically range between 25% and 35%, after accounting for royalty fees and operational expenses.
- Break-even Period: With efficient management and strong sales, you can recover your initial investment within 18 to 24 months.
Support Offered by Cream Stone
Cream Stone ensures that its franchisees receive the necessary support to operate their outlets successfully. Here are some key areas of support:
- Training: Comprehensive training is provided to franchisees and staff on store operations, customer service, and product preparation.
- Marketing Assistance: Franchisees benefit from national and regional marketing campaigns that enhance brand visibility and attract customers.
- Inventory Management: The brand ensures a smooth supply chain for raw materials and ingredients.
- Operational Guidance: Ongoing support is provided for troubleshooting, business optimization, and adherence to brand standards.
Application Process
If you’re interested in becoming a Cream Stone franchisee, here’s how you can apply:
- Submit an Inquiry: Visit the official Cream Stone website and fill out the franchise application form.
- Initial Discussion: The Cream Stone team will review your application and schedule an initial discussion to assess your suitability.
- Site Finalization: Work with the team to identify and finalize a suitable location for your store.
- Agreement Signing: Sign the franchise agreement and pay the franchise fee.
- Setup and Launch: Set up the outlet with guidance from the Cream Stone team, followed by a grand opening.
Conclusion
Opening a Cream Stone franchise in India is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to enter the premium dessert market. With an investment of ₹50 lakh to ₹70 lakh, you can become part of a trusted and innovative brand that continues to grow in popularity.
The key to success lies in choosing the right location, maintaining operational efficiency, and delivering excellent customer service. With the support provided by Cream Stone, franchisees can look forward to building a profitable and sustainable business in the food and beverage industry.
If you’re ready to start your entrepreneurial journey with Cream Stone, take the first step today by reaching out to their franchise team!
Anantha Nageswaran is the chief editor and writer at TheBusinessBlaze.com. He specialises in business, finance, insurance, loan investment topics. With a strong background in business-finance and a passion for demystifying complex concepts, Anantha brings a unique perspective to his writing.
