- Total Investment Required: ₹60 – ₹90 Lakhs, covering franchise fee, interiors, equipment, and working capital, depending on city and store format.
- Expected ROI / Payback Timeline: 18 – 30 months, influenced by location footfall, operational efficiency, and local marketing execution.
- Ideal Store Size: Full Parlour: 800 – 1200 sq. ft. for high-street or premium mall locations; Kiosk/Takeaway: 300 – 500 sq. ft. for compact, high-traffic spots.
- Business Formats: Full Parlour (dine-in experience), Kiosk/Takeaway (quick-service, low footprint), Mall Hybrid (mix of dine-in and takeaway).
- Top Cities to Launch: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, and fast-growing Tier-2 hubs like Vizag, Coimbatore, Indore, and Kochi.
- Decision Callout: Assess suitability using the ROI calculator and franchise planning checklist to determine if Cream Stone aligns with your business goals.
The Cream Stone Franchise has emerged as one of the most promising opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs in India’s growing food and beverage sector. Known for its customisable ice cream on frozen stones, premium experience, and strong brand presence in South India, Cream Stone appeals to both urban youth and family segments. With India’s ice cream and dessert market expanding at double-digit growth rates, opening a Cream Stone franchise can be a profitable venture if you understand the costs, expected ROI, and city-specific opportunities.
At BossWallah, we specialise in helping entrepreneurs make informed franchise investments by analysing market trends, profitability factors, and operational risks. Our goal is to guide you through every step of your business journey, from evaluating opportunities like Cream Stone to building sustainable, growth-oriented strategies. With our expertise in franchise research and small business consulting, you can take confident steps toward entrepreneurship backed by data-driven insights and industry know-how.
Why Choose a Cream Stone Franchise?
Origin & USP: Founded in Hyderabad, Cream Stone is India’s pioneer in “ice cream on a frozen stone” concepts. Customers customise their ice cream live — a premium experience that differentiates it from regular parlours.
Sources: BestFranchiseConnect, CreamStoneConcepts.com, BossWallah analysis.
Market Opportunity:
- India’s ice cream market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13–15% till 2030 (Statista).
- Premium dessert cafés are increasingly popular in Tier-1 & Tier-2 cities, driven by youth spending power and mall culture.
Competitive Differentiation:
- Naturals Ice Cream: focuses on natural fruits, less experiential.
- Baskin Robbins: global legacy, but limited customisation.
- Cream & Fudge: similar frozen stone model but smaller footprint.
- Cream Stone: wide menu variety, customisation, trendy appeal, strong South India presence.
ALSO READ – SBI ATM Franchise: Cost, Eligibility, and How to Apply in 2025
Franchise Model & Formats
- Model Type: FOFO (Franchise Owned, Franchise Operated) – You invest, Cream Stone supports.
- Available Formats:
- Full Parlour (800–1200 sq. ft.) – High investment, high returns, ideal for malls/high streets.
- Kiosk / Takeaway (300–500 sq. ft.) – Lower cost, faster ROI, limited menu.
- Hybrid / Mall Model – Compact, optimised for malls/food courts.
- Who Qualifies (3Cs Rule):
- Capital: Ability to invest ₹60–90 lakhs.
- Commitment: Minimum 5 years business focus.
- Competence: Preferably food & beverage / retail experience.
Detailed Investment Breakdown
| Cost Component | Estimated Range (₹ Lakhs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | 10 – 15 | One-time, non-refundable |
| Interiors & Fit-Outs | 15 – 25 | Depends on city & format |
| Equipment & Machinery | 12 – 18 | Freezers, stone counters, POS |
| Initial Stock & Supplies | 4 – 6 | Ice cream, toppings, packaging |
| Licensing & Approvals | 2 – 3 | FSSAI, GST, trade license |
| Pre-Opening Marketing | 3 – 5 | Launch campaigns |
| Staff Training & Setup | 2 – 4 | Franchisee & staff onboarding |
| Working Capital (6 months) | 10 – 15 | Rent, salaries, utilities |
| Total Investment | 60 – 90 Lakhs | Based on city & size |
- Ongoing Costs:
- Royalty Fee: 6–8% of gross sales
- Marketing Fee: 2% of gross sales
- Renewal Fee: After 5–7 years (depends on contract)
- City-based Cost Variation:
- Bengaluru Mall Store: ₹90L+ (higher rentals)
- Hyderabad Street Store: ~₹70L
- Tier-2 Kiosk (e.g. Vizag): ~₹60L
ALSO READ – Karupatti Coffee Franchise: Cost, Benefits, and How to Apply in 2025
Revenue Projections & ROI Analysis
Revenue Drivers:
- Avg. daily footfall: 150–300 customers
- Avg. ticket size: ₹180 – ₹250
- Monthly revenue potential: ₹8 – 12 Lakhs (Tier-2) / ₹15 – 20 Lakhs (Tier-1)
Margins:
- Gross Profit Margin: 55–60%
- Net Profit Margin (post royalty, rent, salaries): 18–22%
Break-Even Timeline:
- Best Case: 18–20 months (Tier-1 with strong footfall)
- Base Case: 24 months
- Worst Case: 30 months (high rent / low seasonality)
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Cream Stone Franchise Process
1. Submit Inquiry Form
- Visit the Cream Stone Concepts official franchise page and fill out the inquiry form.
- Provide personal details, city preference, and store format.
- Mention investment capacity and ROI expectations to help the franchise team assess eligibility.
- Submit the form and await confirmation via email or call.
- Keep a reference number for future communications.
2. Document Submission
- Prepare legal & financial documents: PAN, GST, trade license, and proof of funds.
- Include bank statements or financial statements to verify investment capacity.
- Draft a basic business profile highlighting relevant experience (F&B or retail).
- Submit scanned copies via the official portal or email as instructed.
- Follow up to confirm the franchise team has reviewed all documents.
3. Location Proposal
- Identify potential locations with high footfall and visibility.
- Gather property details: square footage, lease agreement, rental costs, amenities.
- Include layout diagrams, photographs, or maps for evaluation.
- Explain why the location fits Cream Stone’s premium positioning.
- Submit to the franchise team for shortlisting and approval.
4. Site Inspection & Approval
- Cream Stone team visits the site to assess suitability, utilities, and space allocation.
- Evaluate accessibility, footfall, and nearby competition.
- Recommend modifications if needed for brand compliance.
- Grant formal site approval once all standards are met.
- Maintain communication for any clarifications during inspection.
5. Agreement Signing, Training & Grand Opening
- Review the franchise agreement with a legal advisor.
- Pay the franchise fee and confirm territory allocation.
- Attend franchisee and staff training, covering operations, inventory, and customer service.
- Oversee store setup and trial runs to ensure smooth operations.
- Launch the store with grand opening support and marketing from HQ.
City-Specific Feasibility
- Bengaluru: High mall culture, but rentals are expensive. ROI quicker in IT hubs.
- Hyderabad: Strong home base; brand loyalty is high.
- Chennai: Heat-driven demand; kiosks in malls do well.
- Pune: Student & working crowd → high demand.
- Tier-2 Cities (Vizag, Coimbatore, Vijayawada): Lower rents, but slower ROI due to smaller ticket sizes.
Franchise Risk & Opportunity Matrix
- Tier-1 → High cost, high returns.
- Tier-2 → Medium cost, steady but slower returns.
Risks, Challenges & Mitigation
Risks:
- Seasonal sales drop (monsoons, winters)
- High rent escalation in malls
- Staffing issues & turnover
- Competition from Naturals / local brands
- Food wastage if the demand forecast is wrong
Mitigation Tips:
- Buffer 6 months working capital
- Launch local tie-ups (colleges, IT companies)
- Focus on staff retention with incentives
- Use strong digital marketing campaigns (Swiggy/Zomato presence)
Conclusion
If you’re ready to invest in the booming dessert café market in India, the Cream Stone franchise offers a proven and profitable model with a loyal fan base and a premium product lineup. With the right location and management, it can become a sweet success story in your entrepreneurial journey.
FAQs
The total investment ranges from ₹60–90 Lakhs, depending on store format (Full Parlour, Kiosk, Mall Hybrid) and city location. Costs include franchise fee, interiors, equipment, and working capital.
Monthly net profit typically ranges from ₹1.8–4 Lakhs, depending on city, footfall, and operational efficiency. Tier-1 cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad generally see higher returns than Tier-2 locations.
Most franchisees achieve ROI within 18–30 months, with high-footfall urban locations reaching break-even faster than smaller Tier-2 or Tier-3 city stores.
Yes, Cream Stone offers Full Parlour, Kiosk/Takeaway, and Mall Hybrid formats. Kiosks are ideal for malls, IT parks, and Tier-2 city hotspots with lower investment and faster ROI.
Top-performing cities include Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, and growing Tier-2 hubs like Vizag, Coimbatore, Indore, and Kochi. City choice affects footfall, rental costs, and ROI timelines.
Prior experience is helpful but not mandatory. Cream Stone provides comprehensive franchisee and staff training, covering operations, inventory management, and customer service.
