Cold Stone Creamery, along with the brand’s parent company, Kahala, announced plans for the concept’s development in Thailand. A 20-year agreement was signed with Central Restaurants Group Co. Ltd. (CRG) to introduce the ice cream experience throughout Thailand. CRG, through a master franchise agreement, aims to open 10 stores in the country by 2014.
CRG has successfully developed brands such as Kentucky Fried Chicken, Mister Donut, and Auntie Anne’s in Thailand. The first Cold Stone Creamery Thailand location is expected to open in February in Bangkok’s Central World shopping complex.
“CRG has 30 years of [quick-serve] experience in Thailand,” says Dan Beem, Kahala’s president of international. “The company’s successful record of securing premier locations, driving traffic, and their operations know-how makes the organization the ideal partner for Cold Stone Creamery’s latest international expansion.”
Cold Stone Creamery’s international growth began in November 2005 when the company opened its first international store in Tokyo, Japan. Today, Cold Stone stores are operational with more than 160 international locations in 14 different countries including China, Korea, Canada, Denmark, and the United Arab Emirates.
