Cold Stone Creamery's investment runs $50K–$472K depending on unit format. SBA 7(a) is the primary financing vehicle for this MTY Food Group concept. Here's how lenders structure the deal.
See your business financing options
Start an application →Soft credit pull to pre-qualify · no hard credit pull · about 5 minutes
Cold Stone Creamery is one of the best-known premium ice cream franchise brands in the United States, with over 1,400 domestic locations. The made-to-order experience — super-premium ice cream mixed with toppings on a frozen granite stone — creates a higher-engagement, higher-transaction-value experience than traditional scoop-store models. Cold Stone Creamery is owned by MTY Food Group (same parent as Papa Murphy's). This guide covers financing mechanics only. For a startup cost breakdown, see the companion cost-to-start guide.
Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $50K–$472K — the wide range reflects the difference between a small kiosk or non-traditional unit ($50K) and a full-format store ($350K–$472K). Lenders evaluate:
The SBA 7(a) loan program is the primary financing vehicle for Cold Stone Creamery franchise acquisitions. Cold Stone's listing on the SBA Franchise Directory allows lenders to skip independent franchise agreement review. Key parameters:
The SBA 504 program applies when a franchisee acquires freestanding real estate as owner-occupied commercial property. Most Cold Stone locations operate in leased strip-center or mall spaces — 504 is most applicable to franchisees acquiring a standalone building. Structure: 50% conventional bank + 40% SBA 504 debenture + 10% borrower equity.
Granite cold stone tables (the signature equipment), hardpack freezers, mix-in refrigeration, soft-serve machines (where applicable), and POS systems are Cold Stone's primary equipment items. These can be financed separately via equipment loans or leases layered on the SBA 7(a). Cold stone tables are specialized equipment — confirm approved vendors with the franchisor before structuring financing.
Cold Stone Creamery (MTY Food Group) does not operate a direct in-house lending program for franchisees. MTY Food Group's multi-brand scale means lenders are familiar with the FDD documentation. Cold Stone has historically offered development incentives in underpenetrated markets; the current FDD and MTY development team are the authoritative sources for current programs. Actual debt financing is market-rate from third-party lenders.
Specific Cold Stone financial qualification thresholds are in the FDD. At the lower end of the investment range, SBA Microloan financing may be sufficient. For full stores in the $300K–$472K range, standard SBA 7(a) terms apply with 10–20% equity injection. Cold Stone's super-premium positioning supports higher average transaction values — but seasonal revenue concentration in summer months means conservative working capital reserves are essential.
Cold Stone Creamery is on the SBA Franchise Directory at $50K–$472K — a wide investment range covering kiosks to full stores. Part of MTY Food Group's multi-brand portfolio. Premium ice cream concept with strong customization differentiation. Key factors per SBA SOP 50 10 8:
For Cold Stone kiosk formats at $50K–$100K, SBA Microloan (up to $50K through SBA-approved intermediaries) combined with personal equity is often the fastest path — shorter timelines and more flexible credit requirements than standard 7(a). For full-store builds at $200K–$472K, standard SBA 7(a) with a PLP lender is the right structure. Cold Stone's granite slab equipment requires franchisor-approved vendors — confirm approved vendor list before structuring equipment financing. Coordinate MTY Food Group/Cold Stone franchisee approval in parallel with lender pre-qualification. Review SBA Microloan program terms for kiosk-format applicants.
ClearValue Lending works with franchise operators at every stage — from first-unit acquisition to multi-unit expansion. Apply at Find my match. Your file routes to the funding partners in our network best matched to your file. Related: SBA 7(a) loans explained · SBA 504 loan explained.
Yes. Cold Stone is on the SBA Franchise Directory. Both SBA 7(a) and SBA Microloan are viable — the lower end of the investment range falls in Microloan territory.
Plan for a 10–20% SBA equity injection plus seasonal working capital reserves. Specific thresholds are in the FDD Item 7. At $50K for a non-traditional unit, the injection floor can be as low as $5K–$10K from liquid funds.
Cold Stone Creamery (MTY Food Group) does not operate a direct lending program. Development incentives may be available in underpenetrated markets — check the current FDD and MTY development team for current programs.
Lenders model seasonal revenue concentration in spring and summer for most U.S. markets. Plan for working capital that covers 2–3 months of slower winter operations. Sun Belt markets with year-round demand have a materially different seasonal profile.
30–90 days depending on deal size. SBA Preferred Lenders can issue 7(a) conditional commitments in 3–4 weeks. Microloan intermediaries may move faster for lower-investment kiosk units.
SBA minimum is 1.15× DSCR. For seasonal concepts like Cold Stone, lenders model DSCR on a 12-month annualized basis — not peak-summer projections. In cold-climate markets, monthly cash flow projections showing winter-month debt service coverage are required. Super-premium positioning supports higher average ticket than mass-market competitors, but seasonal volume concentration is the key underwriting risk.
SBA minimum is 10% equity injection; most lenders require 15–20%. At the $50K kiosk floor, the injection can be as low as $5K–$10K. For full-store investments ($200K–$472K), plan for $20K–$95K in non-borrowed liquid funds from a sourced and seasoned account.