Baskin-Robbins vs Cold Stone Creamery
Franchise Comparison (2026)
2026 FDD Data
Baskin-Robbins has 2.5x more locations (2,400 vs 952) and reports $521K average revenue with nearly 80 years of brand heritage. Cold Stone offers lower minimum investment ($53K vs $307K) and lower franchise fee ($10K-$27K vs $25K). Baskin-Robbins waives franchise fee for veterans.
Baskin-Robbins and Cold Stone Creamery are two of the largest ice cream franchises in America, each with distinct product positioning and brand experiences. This FDD comparison examines their franchise fees, investment requirements, and market presence. Understanding these ice cream franchise differences will help dessert entrepreneurs make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison
Baskin-Robbins
$25,000
Cold Stone Creamery
$10,000 - $27,000
Baskin-Robbins
$307,000 - $623,000
Cold Stone Creamery
$53,200 - $628,000
Baskin-Robbins
5.9%
Cold Stone Creamery
6%
Baskin-Robbins
2,400
Cold Stone Creamery
952
Baskin-Robbins
$521,177
Cold Stone Creamery
N/A
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Baskin-Robbins | Cold Stone Creamery |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Investment | ||
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 | $10,000 |
| Total Investment (Low) | $307,000 | $53,200 |
| Total Investment (High) | $623,000 | $628,000 |
| Net Worth Required | $200,000 | $250,000 |
| Liquid Capital Required | $100,000 | $100,000 |
| Ongoing Fees | ||
| Royalty Rate | 5.9% | 6% |
| Advertising Fund | 5% | 3% |
| Technology Fee | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| System Size & Growth | ||
| Total Units | 2,400 | 952 |
| Franchised Units | 2,400 | 952 |
| Company-Owned Units | 0 | 0 |
| 3-Year Net Growth | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Financial Performance (Item 19) | ||
| Item 19 Disclosed | Yes | No |
| Average Revenue | $521,177 | N/A |
| Median Revenue | Not Disclosed | N/A |
| Franchise Terms | ||
| Initial Term | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Renewal Term | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Territory Protection | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Requirements | ||
| Owner-Operator Required | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Training Hours | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Years Franchising | 81 years | 38 years |
| Risk Indicators | ||
| Litigation Matters | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Termination Rate | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
Key Differences
Network Size: Baskin-Robbins has 2,400 locations vs Cold Stone at 952
Minimum Investment: Cold Stone starts at $53K vs Baskin-Robbins at $307K
Franchise Fee: Cold Stone at $10K-$27K vs Baskin-Robbins at $25K
Average Revenue: Baskin-Robbins reports $521K; Cold Stone does not disclose
Heritage: Baskin-Robbins founded 1945; Cold Stone founded 1988
Veteran Benefits: Baskin-Robbins waives franchise fee for first store
Total Fees: Baskin-Robbins at 10.9% vs Cold Stone at 9%
Investment Fit Analysis
Who Should Consider Baskin-Robbins
Baskin-Robbins suits investors seeking the largest ice cream franchise brand with disclosed financials and strong veteran benefits.
2,400+ U.S. locations
$521K average revenue disclosed
Franchise fee waived for veterans
79-year brand heritage (founded 1945)
Inspire Brands backing
"31 Flavors" brand recognition
Who Should Consider Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone Creamery suits investors seeking lower minimum investment with unique customized ice cream experience.
Lower minimum investment ($53K)
Lower franchise fee ($10K-$27K)
Lower total fees (9% vs 10.9%)
Customized "mix-in" experience
952 franchised locations
Focus Brands backing (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Disclaimer
This comparison is provided for informational purposes only. Data has been aggregated from publicly available sources including Franchise Disclosure Documents, industry publications, and franchise analysis websites.
Prospective franchisees should review the complete FDD for each franchise, conduct their own due diligence, and consult with qualified legal and financial advisors before making any investment decisions.