Cold Stone Creamery Targets Michigan for Double-Digit Expansion

The Scottsdale-based franchise currently maintains 27 stores across Michigan and seeks to aggressively expand that footprint. A new shop in Plymouth is already under construction with a projected fall opening, while another site has entered the initial development phase. Brand leader Blake Borwick pointed to strong consumer demand as the primary driver for this growth, noting that the company is actively recruiting both first-time franchisees and experienced multi-unit operators to manage the expansion.

Kyle Welch, a local partner who currently operates four Michigan locations, confirmed that the market response remains robust. The company is positioning itself as a scalable business model for new owners, with an initial franchise fee of $27,000. This push follows the brand’s inclusion in Yelp’s 2026 list of the fastest-growing restaurant chains, a recognition that has helped fuel interest from potential investors looking to enter the Great Lakes region.