There is a passion with meticulousness in the relationship of India with desserts. We are no longer in the habit of eating ice cream after a meal – we eat it during times of need, like stress, it is our comfort food, our celebration food, our mood boosting food. This interest has presented a huge business opportunity. The Indian dessert market is performing well, with so far revenue of more than 15,000 crores, with an annual growth rate of 12-15.
That projection by 2030 will see it to new heights as it is in design, not just in the dessert industry, but the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry in India, on the whole, is soaring at more than 20 percent per annum. Individuals are more importantly eating out, trying new things, and high-end dessert shops have become their hangout location. Cream Stone is one of the highly demanded ice-cream franchise businesses in this promising industry. This guidebook will step you through all the details you require to know about Cream Stone franchise costs as well as investment requirements.
Growth of QSR and Dessert Franchises in India
As of mid-2025, India’s Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) and dessert franchise sectors are booming. The QSR market is projected to reach ₹1.2 lakh crore (~$14.5B) with 10–12% growth, driven by rising disposable incomes and expansion into Tier 2 and 3 cities. The dessert and ice cream segment is also growing rapidly, with the ice cream market expected to reach ₹1,078 billion by 2033 at a 16.7% CAGR.
Franchises like McDonald’s, Domino’s, Baskin-Robbins, and Cream Stone benefit from proven business models, strong brand recognition, and high-profit margins, making them attractive investment opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking scalable, low-risk ventures in India’s thriving food market.
About Cream Stone Ice Cream
History and Brand Background
- Origin and Vision (2004): The history of Cream Stone dates back to 2004 when it was born with an innovative idea to transform India’s dessert scene. The vision was to solve the dilemma of ice cream lovers choosing between multiple flavors in one dish.
- Innovative Concept: Cream Stone introduced the concept of mixing ice cream in real time and customizing flavors to each customer’s preference. This unique approach helped the brand carve a niche in India and become a go-to dessert destination.
- Inspiration and Adaptation: Inspired by global Cold Stone ideas, Cream Stone modified the concept to suit Indian tastes and preferences, blending innovation with local flavors.
- Customer Loyalty and Expansion: Through high-quality offerings, creativity, and excellent customer service, Cream Stone has built a loyal customer base over almost 20 years.
- Current Footprint: The brand now operates 16 locations across India, including company-owned and franchisee-owned stores. What started as a single shop has grown into a national brand, proving the strength of an original idea backed by commitment and quality.
Brand Unique Selling Proposition
What is so special about Cream Stone? What makes it superior to so-called ice cream business salons? The solution is in a number of distinctive characteristics:
- Live Cold Stone Experience: Cream Stone’s biggest attraction is the live preparation. Your ice cream is mixed on an ice-cold granite slab (-22°C) with your chosen flavors and toppings, all folded and combined in front of you like a mini show.
- Unlimited Customization: Choose from dozens of base flavors, including Indian favorites like gulab jamun and kulfi, or international options. Add toppings like brownies, nuts, fresh fruits, chocolate chips, and sauces for a personalized dessert every time.
- High-Quality Ingredients: Cream Stone uses fresh, premium ingredients, including real fruits, artisanal cakes, and high-quality chocolate, ensuring rich, creamy textures and superior taste.
- Instagram-Worthy: The theatrical preparation and beautifully presented desserts make every visit shareable, appealing to younger audiences and creating organic marketing.
Why Entrepreneurs Are Searching for Cream Stone Franchise Opportunities
Business people would always be in pursuit of intelligent business concepts that can have a high success rating. Franchises offered by Cream Stone have been very attractive due to a number of convincing factors:
- Proven Business Model: With over 20 years of operations, Cream Stone has perfected store systems, employee training, inventory management, and customer service, reducing the risks compared to starting a new, untested venture.
- Strong Brand Recognition: Customers already trust Cream Stone for high-quality, experiential ice cream, making franchisee customer acquisition easier and faster.
- Unique Customer Experience: Beyond desserts, Cream Stone delivers entertainment and memorable experiences, fostering loyalty, repeat visits, and word-of-mouth marketing.
- Comprehensive Franchisor Support: Franchisees receive guidance on site selection, store design, operations, training, marketing, and product innovation, ensuring a strong foundation for success.
- Favorable Market Dynamics: With steady year-round demand, high revenue per unit, and growth driven by urbanization and rising disposable incomes, the dessert market offers lucrative opportunities.
Cream Stone Franchise Models in India
Cream Stone provides the flexibility of franchise models to fit various types of investment capacities and location:
1. Standard Outlet Model
Space Requirements: 500-700 square feet
Investment Range: ₹50-70 Lakhs
Target Locations: Shopping malls, high streets, commercial areas
Features:
- Lunch and dinner servicing the entire menu with Cream Stone menu.
- Easy sitting of the families/groups.
- Full brand experience theatrically prepared.
- Applicable in high dwell time places.
- Increased revenue capability owing to increased customer capacity.
2. Kiosk Model
Space Requirements: 200-400 square feet
Investment Range: ₹30-45 Lakhs
Target Locations: Food courts, transit hubs, office complexes
Features:
- To a small extent, carry-out only with few or no seats.
- Minimized menu of frequent products.
- Fast service concept, fast food restaurants.
- Reduced cost of operation because of less space.
- Suited to busy customer groups of customers with high footfall.
3. Express Format
Space Requirements: 150-300 square feet
Investment Range: ₹25-40 Lakhs
Target Locations: Corporate buildings, hospitals, educational institutions
Features:
- Reduced product diversification as a grab-and-go establishment.
- Sparse seating and high-speed service.
- Reduced investor sophistication and inability to operate.
- Apposite to captive customer markets.
- Flexible schedules to accommodate geographically oriented traffic conditions.
Both of the models: each of them will keep the quality standards followed by Cream Stone, yet each of them will be adjusted to the location dynamics and customer behavior patterns.
Cream Stone Franchise Cost in India: Complete Breakdown
Approximate Investment Required
The overall investment in the Cream Stone franchise will differ considerably depending on the location, size, and form of store choice. The cost of establishing the investment is usually 35-70 lakhs of money, and it is an excellent but affordable deal to any serious businessman or woman.
Total Investment Range: ₹35 Lakhs – ₹70 Lakhs
This variation depends on factors like:
- Urban and district in the urban area.
- Format and size of the store (Standard Outlet vs. Kiosk vs. Express)
- Local real estate costs
- Interior jewelry and equipment specification.
- Initial working capital and agricultural company inventory requirements.
This is generally used at the high part in high-value target areas within and around major metro cities with larger store formats, as well as the low end in smaller store formats in tier-2 cities or other suburban areas.
Detailed Cost Components
Let’s break down where your investment money goes:
| Cost Component | Amount Range (₹ Lakhs) | Description |
| Franchise Fee | 8 Lakhs to 10 Lakhs (GST inclusive) | One-time brand licensing fee |
| Interior & Setup | 15-25 | Store design, furniture, fixtures |
| Equipment | 10-15 | Ice cream machines, freezers, POS |
| Initial Inventory | 2-3 | Initial stock and ingredients |
| Marketing Launch | 3-5 | Grand opening and initial promotion |
| Working Capital | 5-10 | 3-6 months operational expenses |
Franchise Fee: This is a single advance payment of 2-5 lakhs of rupees, which secures your right to use the Cream Stone brand, use their proprietary recipes, method of preparation, operative systems, and initial training packages. The charge also entails protection rights to territories and continued franchisor assistance in your first setup stage.
Equipment and Setup: It is the biggest part of your investment ( Generally costs between 25 -40 lakh together). This covers:
- Dedicated ice cream-making machinery.
- Frozen stone, granite, concrete slabs, and concrete mixers.
- Storage units and display freezers.
- Billing equipment and point-of-sale systems.
- Renovation and interior designing services.
- Creation of furniture, light and feelings.
- Air conditioning and utility installation.
- Equipment needed in food safety compliance.
Initial Inventory and Marketing: A costing component of 8-5 lakhs is spent on the initial inventory and marketing that will cover all that you need before the opening. You must have enough ice cream base, toppings, cones, cups, and consumables in order to meet the requirements of early customer demands. The cost of marketing includes everything related to marketing, like grand opening campaigns, marketing advertising within the city, digital marketing establishment, advertising items, and marketing the organization within communities.
Working Capital: This is an important element of 5-10 lakhs up front, pending cash to meet the operational expenses within your first few months as you gain market share and the cash flow. It includes employee salaries and rent, utility costs, constant inventory as well as contingent costs.
City-wise Franchise Cost Estimates
There are also wide disparities in the investment requirements in relation to the various cities in India because of the differences in the real estate pricing, labor rates, and positioning in the market.
Cream Stone Franchise Cost in Hyderabad
Investment Range: ₹40-55 Lakhs
As Cream Stone was born in Hyderabad, the latter offers to create its own opportunities and difficulties. It is a well-recognised brand with customer retention in the city. Nevertheless, lots of prime sites have already been used by company-acquired stores that restrict the possibility of franchising in the city centres.
Cream Stone Franchise Cost in Chennai
Investment Range: ₹45-65 Lakhs
The food culture of Chennai and consumer spending are high, thereby providing a good location for Cream Stone franchises. The warm nature of the climate in the city dictates constant demand for frozen desserts during the year, whereas the urban population strongly likes top-quality, experience-based restaurants.
Cream Stone Franchise Cost in Delhi/NCR
Investment Range: ₹50-70 Lakhs
The National Capital Region is also one of the most promising markets in the country to establish premium dessert franchises that provide good growth advantages with high investments.
Cream Stone Franchise Profit Margin & Returns
Revenue and Profitability Potential
Franchises of Cream Stone are also profitable enough to attract investment:
Gross Profit Margin: 40-50%
Net Profit Margin: 15-25%
Average Ticket Size: ₹200-400 per customer
Monthly Revenue Potential:
- The successful outlets/stores 8-15 lakhs/month.
- Annual revenue: 1-1.8 crores with the established locations.
- Once the seasons get good (summers, festivals) revenues may be increased by 30-50%.
Example Calculation: Should your store realize 12 lakhnet revenue per month:
- Gross Profit (45%): ₹5.4 lakhs
- Operating Expenses: 3.6 lakhs (rent, salaries, and utilities) and royalty.
- Net Profit: ₹1.8 lakhs per month
Return on Investment (ROI): As a Cream Stone franchise, the payback period is usually 2-3 years, one that is quite good in the food service business. The issues that influence ROI are:
- The condition of the place and pedestrian traffic.
- food managerial efficacy and cost control.
- Local performance of marketing.
- Optimization of seasonal demand.
- Quality of customer retention and customer service.
Revenue Optimization Strategies:
- Repeat customer Loyalty programs.
- Season promotions and time borders.
- Company mergers and quantity purchases.
- Optimization in delivery and takeaway.
- The brand is built through social media marketing.
Cream Stone Franchise Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Initial Inquiry and Research
The first step is to go to the official site of Cream Stone and provide an inquiry franchise form. Conduct research on the market conditions, competition, and possible localities in the area. Please take part in franchise discovery meetings or online seminars where one can learn business models, investment, and growth prospects.
Step 2: Application Submission and Documentation
Also, fill out the comprehensive franchise application form, such as personal background, business experience, financial capability, and territory preferences. Provide the necessary documents, which are monetary statements, bank references, identity certificates, and business registration documents. The application goes through the initial vetting to determine its general suitability and brand compatibility.
Step 3: Financial Assessment and Verification
Carry out finance validation procedures such as credit checks, bank statements screening, and the ability to invest. Necessarily negotiate investment structure, financing terms, and payments with franchise development managers. Get trial acceptance on monetary power and land accessibility.
Step 4: Territory Selection and Site Approval
Collaborate with the franchise team to discover the appropriate place according to demographic studies, foot traffic studies, competition map, and positioning of the brand. Obtain corporate authorization of recommended locations, site research, site lease discussions, and development schedule.
Step 5: Legal Documentation and Agreement Signing
Discuss franchise disclosure forms, franchise-related agreements, and manual of operations with legal counsel. Read the terms and conditions, payable periods, and territories. Enter into franchise agreement- Sign franchise policies and pay the first payments to obtain franchise privilege.
Step 6: Training and Store Development
Attend extensive training courses in areas like operations, food preparation, customer service, and business management. Commence store development works such as interior design, installation of equipment, and recruitment of staff under corporate supervision.
Step 7: Grand Opening and Launch
Full setup of stores and training personnel, followed by soft opening tests. Launch massive opening advertising programs through franchisor assistance in creating awareness and getting interest among the customers in the local market.
Eligibility Criteria & Requirements
| Category | Key Requirements |
| Financial | • Liquid Capital: Min. 50% of total investment. • Net Worth: Must exceed investment, supported by financial proof. • Credit: Clean credit history and strong banking references. |
| Experience & Skills | • Management experience preferred (training provided). • Strong leadership and customer focus. • Knowledge of local market and competition. |
| Site & Location | • Minimum space as per format, good visibility & parking. • High-traffic, youth-centric areas preferred. • Must comply with zoning & safety norms. |
| Personal Commitment | • Active involvement in daily operations. • Align with brand standards and training. • Long-term dedication to growth. |
| Legal & Compliance | • Obtain all business and food licenses. • Clean background checks and legal compliance. |
Cream Stone Franchise Contact Information
Official Website and Online Presence
| Detail | Info |
| Registered Name | Sri Srinivasa Dairy Products Pvt Ltd |
| Address | #4-6-464/1, Esamia Bazar, Koti, Hyderabad, Telangana, India |
| Phone | +91 40 2473 2780 |
| info@creamstoneconcepts.com |
Why Invest in a Cream Stone Franchise?
Established Brand Equity and Market Position
Twenty years of established business operations have developed a good brand equity that gives Cream Stone a competitive advantage because it does not have to struggle to introduce an unfamiliar brand in the competitive markets. The quality customers who are attracted by the premium positioning and the unique value proposition are ready to pay premium prices in order to have remarkable experiences. Good brand recall and customer loyalty save the company on marketing expenses and shorten the time lag to penetrate new outlets.
Comprehensive Support Systems
The partners of the franchises are highly trained on every aspect of operations, such as food preparation, customer services, business operations as well and inventories. Existing support will imply marketing support, operational advice, product development, and professional troubleshooting. Franchisees are regularly updated on how to improve their businesses as the industry moves on and brand innovations come along.
Proven Business Model and Operational Excellence
The franchise system is already laced with years of operational maturity and business success, which makes risks in the independent business venture less risky. These processes of quality, supplier relations, and work operations are standardized, so continuity and efficiency prevail across the entire locations of country. Putting established financial and operational standards assists the franchisees in achieving maximum business performance.
Growth Potential and Market Opportunities
The rising middle classes, rising trends of urbanization in India, and changing lifestyles create an enormous marketing potential for upscale dessert businesses. Successful operators can build their portfolios, expand into new territories even multi-outlet through the franchise model. There are both potential strategic expansions in the existing markets, as well as the identified opportunities in the new tier-2 cities and the Suburbs.
Alternatives to the Cream Stone Franchise
| Category | Brand | Key Features | Investment (₹ Lakhs) |
| International | Baskin-Robbins | Largest chain, strong support | 25–40 |
| Häagen-Dazs | Premium luxury segment | 50–80 | |
| Cold Stone Creamery | Original cold stone concept | High | |
| Indian | Naturals | Fruit-based, health-focused | 30–35 |
| Mad Over Donuts | Dessert + QSR model | 30–50 | |
| Keventers | Nostalgic milkshake brand | 15–25 |
Conclusion
The Cream Stone franchise business is an attractive and profitable investment in India’s growing dessert market. With multiple locations and format options, Cream Stone has built a proven business model, supported by strong brand positioning and well-established operational systems.
The rise in urban populations, changing consumer preferences toward premium dining experiences, and increasing disposable incomes create a favorable market environment. These factors make Cream Stone a solid opportunity for potential franchise investors.
However, interested investors should carefully evaluate financial capability, location selection, and long-term commitment before taking the plunge. Success depends on choosing the right location, maintaining operational excellence, ensuring top-notch customer service, and strictly following the brand’s established principles and guidelines.
FAQs
1. What will the start-up cost of a Cream Stone franchise be?
The Cream Stone franchise has a minimum investment of about 35 lakhs, including fees for the franchise, equipment, and preliminary working capital.
2. How long is the payback period of a Cream Stone franchise?
Depending on operations and business location, Cream Stone franchisees pay back at a very fast rate in 2-3 years of operation.
3. Are the royalty fees of Cream Stone franchises ongoing?
Yes, fixed royalty and marketing fees that seek to be charged to the parent company are usually made monthly by the franchisees in accordance with what the franchise agreement gives.
4. What sort of support does Cream Stone offer franchisees?
Cream Stone offers intense training, operation, promotional aid, menu construction, as well as continuous business consultation to its franchisee partners.
5. Is it possible to establish two or more outlets of Cream Stone within the same city?
Multi-outlet and territory expansion opportunities are based on terms of agreements with franchisees and the opportunities of the market and are discussed in the process of applying.