When it comes to ice cream intake, Florida is flourishing. The state is becoming the second largest consumer of ice cream in the nation. Cream is in the midst of a “cold-rush” itself, expanding to the Sunshine State. The San Francisco-based dessert franchise specializing in premium ice cream sandwiches and other treats has inked a franchise deal for more than 30 units throughout Florida over the next seven years.
The agreement marks Cream’s largest and most significant franchising announcement since launching its franchise opportunity in 2012, and will develop stores starting in South Florida before moving towards West Florida and beyond.
“There’s definitely a lot of excitement around the brand,” says Cream president and COO Jim Ryan, noting the company’s recent recognition as one of ‘27 Ice Cream Shops You Need To Visit Before You Die,’ according to BuzzFeed. “We are very excited to have over 30 units available to entrepreneurs in Florida and to make our East Coast debut.”
The initial deal stemmed from an unlikely source. Armando Martinez Stone discovered the brand while participating in his high school DECA program in which participants were given the challenge to outline a plan to improve a company’s national and international success. Armando chose Cream and created a detailed franchise development strategy, where he won first place in the “International Business Plan” competition.
Armando’s family, who emigrated from Venezuela so his father could pursue a Ph.D, were enticed by the business plan and Armando’s overall passion for the idea. The group plans to open the first three locations in the Miami area before seeking interested investors to become franchisees and open stores throughout Florida.
Cream, an acronym for “Cookies Rule Everything Around Me,” also has milkshakes, floats, scoops of ice cream, and other treats, such as “The Cream Taco,” a taco shell shaped waffle cone loaded with three scoops of ice cream and toppings.
With 12 locations currently open and operating in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Nevada, the company plans call for having 50 franchises operating nationwide by the end of 2015.
