SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Cold Stone Creamery has announced plans to expand its concept to the Mexico, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia markets.
The doors of Mexico's first Cold Stone Creamery are slated to open in September, followed by two in Mexico City and one in Cancun by the end of this year. Over the next five years the company plans to open more than 25 stores throughout the country, according to a news release.
In this venture, Cold Stone Creamery is partnering with the Italianni's group, the number one casual dining concept in Mexico. In addition to operating more than 40 Italianni's restaurants throughout Mexico, Italianni's also owns Servicial, a food and beverage distribution company.
Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia also are joining the international ice cream craze, led by a partnership between Cold Stone Creamery and PT Mitra Adiperkasa (PT Map), the number one retail, food and beverage company in Indonesia. Plans include the opening of three Cold Stone Creamery stores in Jakarta by the end of this year, and more than 40 in the next five years.
PT Map operates successful brands such as Starbucks, Burger King, Zara, Reebok and Marks & Spencer.
"Cold Stone Creamery is thrilled to partner with two of the world's leading restaurant and retail operators to deliver the ultimate ice cream experience to more ice cream aficionados worldwide," said Lee Knowlton, Chief Operating Officer for Kahala/Cold Stone.
The path to Cold Stone's international growth began in November 2005 when the company opened its first international store in Tokyo, Japan. Since then, Cold Stone has opened 22 stores throughout Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan.
