By Meghna Sharma Cream Stone is a popular Indian dessert brand known for serving customised ice creams mixed with chocolates, brownies, fruits, nuts and other toppings on a frozen stone. The brand was launched in Hyderabad in 2009 and later expanded to several Indian cities.
Its premium menu and live ice cream preparation attract entrepreneurs interested in the food and beverage sector. Cream Stone officially offers franchise opportunities outside Hyderabad, but it does not publicly disclose a fixed investment amount. Applicants are given detailed financial information only after passing the company’s initial evaluation.
Is a Cream Stone Franchise Available in India?
Yes, Cream Stone officially accepts franchise applications in India. However, its current policy states that franchises are not available in Hyderabad because outlets in the city are owned and managed directly by the parent company. Franchise opportunities are considered for suitable locations outside Hyderabad.
Cream Stone offers only unit or individual-store franchises. It does not publicly offer master-franchise rights for an entire city. Existing franchisees may be permitted to open additional stores based on their performance, financial capability and operational record.
Cream Stone Franchise Cost in India
Cream Stone does not disclose its franchise fee or complete investment requirement on the public section of its official website. The company states that cost, royalty, profit margin and return-on-investment details are shared only after an applicant has been shortlisted.
A recent independent estimate places the total Cream Stone franchise investment at approximately ₹60 lakh to ₹90 lakh, depending on the city, store format, interiors, equipment and property expenses. This is not an official Cream Stone quotation and should be used only for preliminary planning.
The project cost may include:
- One-time franchise fee
- Rent deposit and advance rent
- Interiors and civil construction
- Cold-stone counters and preparation equipment
- Deep freezers and refrigeration systems
- Furniture, signage and lighting
- Billing software and point-of-sale equipment
- Initial stock, toppings and packaging
- Employee recruitment and training
- Licences, launch marketing and working capital
The amount can increase considerably for a large store in a premium mall or high-street location. Applicants should receive an outlet-specific written quotation before committing to a property.
Franchise Fee, Royalty and Marketing Charges
Cream Stone follows a standard fee-based franchise structure. The approved franchisee must pay a one-time franchise fee for a licence valid for five years. According to the company, this fee covers location approval, supply-chain assistance and management training. A renewal fee applies after the initial term.
Franchisees must also pay a monthly royalty calculated as a percentage of net sales. An additional advertising or marketing fee is charged as a percentage of sales, while local store promotion remains the responsibility of the franchisee. The exact percentages are not publicly disclosed.
Store Space and Location Requirements
Cream Stone does not publish a universal minimum shop size on its official franchise pages. The required area will depend on the approved layout, customer seating, preparation zone, storage and expected sales volume.
The company places strong importance on location quality. Its franchise guidance says a proposed outlet should preferably be situated near hotels, restaurants or other places where customers may seek dessert after dining. Parking is described as an important requirement, and the final property must be approved by Cream Stone’s management.
A suitable store should generally have:
- Strong customer footfall
- Good road visibility and frontage
- Convenient parking or vehicle access
- Reliable electricity and water supply
- Space for freezers and cold storage
- Proper drainage and ventilation
- Storage for ingredients and packaging
- Permission for commercial food operations
Applicants are expected to propose multiple properties with information about rent, area, photographs and videos. Cream Stone then evaluates the options against its location standards.
Eligibility for a Cream Stone Franchise
Cream Stone has unusually specific eligibility conditions. The company prefers an individual entrepreneur who will own and actively operate the outlet as a full-time business.
Its official franchise criteria state that applicants should normally live in the same city in which they want to open the store. The company does not favour absentee investors or arrangements where one partner provides the money while another person manages the business. Its published policy also says that partnerships, joint ventures, private limited companies and LLP structures are generally not preferred for franchise ownership.
A suitable applicant should have:
- Strong financial capacity
- Residence in the proposed franchise city
- Commitment to full-time business operations
- Ability to build and manage a store team
- Basic financial and customer-service skills
- Willingness to follow company systems
- A suitable commercial location
- A clean legal and financial record
Previous food and beverage experience is not compulsory. Cream Stone says it evaluates applicants according to three main qualities: capital, commitment and competence.
Documents and Licences Required
Applicants should keep Aadhaar, PAN, address proof, photographs, bank statements and proof of investment funds ready. Business and property documents may include a rent agreement, ownership papers, site photographs, floor plans and landlord permission for restaurant operations.
An outlet may also require GST registration, Shops and Establishments registration, a municipal trade licence and signage permission. Every food business operator in India must obtain the appropriate FSSAI registration or licence.
Training and Support Provided
Cream Stone provides market-study and site-evaluation support before approving a location. Once the property is selected, the franchisee must use a company-approved architect and branding consultant to develop the store according to brand standards.
The franchisee must recruit a store manager and other team members. The staff then undergo approximately one month of training, with the training-related expense borne by the franchisee. Cream Stone also provides opening assistance, operating manuals, audits, vendor guidance and support for sourcing approved equipment and supplies.
Profit and Expected Return
Cream Stone does not publicly guarantee a profit margin, monthly income or investment-recovery period. It shares financial projections only with applicants who pass its initial screening process.
Actual profit will depend on customer footfall, average order value, rent, employee salaries, product costs, electricity, royalty and marketing fees. Ice cream sales can also be seasonal, making sufficient working capital important.
Applicants should request realistic sales projections and speak independently with existing franchise owners before investing.
How to Apply for a Cream Stone Franchise
Applicants must complete the franchise application form on Cream Stone’s official website. Initial franchise communication is conducted online, and the company states that it does not normally entertain telephone enquiries or appointment requests before reviewing an application.
The selection process includes:
- Review of the franchise application
- Evaluation of finances and business experience
- Submission of a city-development plan
- Personal interview with management
- Proposal of multiple store locations
- Final location approval
- Payment of the franchise fee
- Grant of the franchise licence
Cream Stone Concepts is operated by Sri Srinivasa Dairy Products Private Limited, whose official contact address is listed in Koti, Hyderabad.
Beware of Fake Franchise Agents
Cream Stone states that it has not authorised outside agents to sell franchises or collect commissions on its behalf. The company accepts no responsibility for payments made to people falsely claiming to be franchise representatives.
Applicants should use only the official Cream Stone Concepts website, verify bank-account details and obtain a signed agreement before transferring money.
Final Word
Cream Stone officially offers unit franchises outside Hyderabad, but it does not publish a fixed franchise cost. A recent independent estimate suggests a practical investment of approximately ₹60 lakh to ₹90 lakh, although the actual amount is provided only after shortlisting.
The franchise is intended for local, actively involved individual entrepreneurs rather than passive investors. Before investing, obtain written confirmation of the franchise fee, royalty, marketing charges, total setup cost and five-year agreement terms directly from Cream Stone.