Cold Rock to open more than 25 stores nationwide

At least 15 stores in the capital and 10 in regional WA in the next two years are expected to be opened.

The chain, owned by Melbourne-based Franchised Food Company (FFCo), is seeking new franchises in sites including Perth, Albany, Mandurah, Broome, Geraldton, Bunbury and Margaret River. Cold Rock plans to open at least 15 stores in the capital and another 10 in regional WA.

“Of the almost 100 Cold Rock stores nationwide, we only have two in WA so there is a massive opportunity to grow this market,” FFCo managing director Stan Gordon said.

“Our current locations at Hillarys and Fremantle are both owned by the same franchisee and consistently perform well amongst the top stores in Australia.

“The market is ripe for increased competition. The state’s climate, population growth and strong economy coupled with the unique Cold Rock offering ensures the brand is well positioned to succeed.”

Cold Rock’s designer ice cream concept, ‘create your own’, enables customers to have the experience of adding mix-ins into ice creams, which is then mixed together on a refrigerated granite slab known as the ‘Cold Rock’.

The concept makes it more appealing to the 21st century consumers, says Mr Gordon. The love for designer products makes Cold Rock fit in the taste of the Generations Y and Z.

FFCo head of new business Gordon Bain said Cold Rock required no previous experience in the ice cream or food industry.

“We are looking for people who possess the desire to operate a successful business, have an excellent credit history, are willing to participate and work within our operating system and are generally fun people,” Mr Bain said.

According to business information analyst IBISWorld, Australia is the third largest consumer of ice cream in the world with each person eating an average of 18 litres a year.

“The best thing about the product you’re selling is that almost everyone is a customer,” Mr Gordon said.

“Additionally, ice cream isn’t just a summer treat; our numbers at Cold Rock do fluctuate with the seasons but the difference is minimal.”

The first Australian Cold Rock store opened in Aspley in Brisbane’s north in 1996. The chain was purchased by FFCo in 2009.

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Tags: Cold Rock, franchising in Australia