Cream Stone, established in Hyderabad in 2009, is a premium ice-cream boutique chain known for its customized mix-in creations and vibrant décor. Ideal for youth and families, the brand emphasizes experiential dining. As of 2025, it continues expanding through individual FOFO (Franchise‑Owned, Franchisee‑Operated) units, excluding Hyderabad where stores remain company‑owned.
Franchise Formats & Investment Options
Cream Stone offers two main formats:
- Kiosk Model: Smaller outlets (300–500 sq ft) focused on takeaway and delivery—suitable for malls, airports, or food courts.
- Standalone Café: Larger outlets, typically 800–1,200 sq ft with seating and dine‑in experience in high-footfall retail zones.
Cost Structure & Total Investment
Franchise Fee
- Ranges between ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh depending on format and city tier.
Setup & Interiors
- Includes ambience design, cold-stone equipment, furniture, décor: ₹15–20 lakh for kiosks, ₹25–35 lakh for standalone units.
Equipment & Technology
- Freezers, blending slabs, display units, POS systems: ₹5–15 lakh.
Initial Inventory & Working Capital
- Raw materials, staffing, marketing, utilities: ₹4–10 lakh.
Royalty & Marketing Fees
- Royalty: 6%–8% of gross sales; plus marketing contributions of 2%–3%.
| Format | Space | Total Investment |
| Kiosk | ~300–500 sq ft | ₹30–50 lakh |
| Standalone Café | ~800–1,200 sq ft | ₹50–70 lakh to ₹1 crore+ |
These figures are in line with multiple credible sources.
Revenue Estimates & Profit Margins
- Monthly Revenue Potential: ₹5–10 lakh for well‑located units; possibly up to ₹15 lakh in high footfall areas.
- Gross Margins: Typically 55%–65% due to premium pricing and mix-in margins.
- Net Profit Margins: Estimated 20%–30% after accounting for royalty, rent, staffing, and utilities.
- Payback Timeline: Most units reach breakeven within 18–24 months. Exceptional outlets may break even sooner
Support & Selection Criteria
Cream Stone emphasizes three core “Cs” in franchise selection:
- Capital: Sufficient investment capability to cover setup and initial reserves.
- Commitment: Franchisees must manage full‑time, with no absentee or equity-only models.
- Competence: Ability to execute business systems, manage staff, and deliver consistent customer experience.
Other selection criteria:
- No master franchise or partnerships allowed.
- Franchisee must reside and operate the outlet within the same city.
Training and support include industry-standard operational manuals, onsite training, supply-chain integration, and marketing assistance.
Application Process
- Submit the franchise inquiry via the official Cream Stone website.
- Undergo financial review and profile evaluation.
- Conduct site inspection or location approval.
- Sign a standard 5‑ or 9-year agreement based on source and pay upfront fees.
- Begin store design, staff training, supply setup, and launch support.
Final Verdict
A Cream Stone franchise offers a credible opportunity to participate in India’s premium dessert space. With investment ranging ₹30–70 lakh depending on format, net margins of 20–30%, and potential ROI within 18–24 months, it can be profitable if backed by strong location, active management, and cost discipline.
However, success demands full-time operational commitment and careful location selection. Thorough due diligence—visiting existing outlets, talking to current franchisees, and analyzing footfall trends—is essential. Potential franchisees should assess overheads, staffing challenges, and seasonal dips before investing.
