Cold Stone Creamery is gearing up for a New Orleans debut, with the ice cream chain eyeing a broader south Louisiana push that could bring two to three new shops to the region over the next five years.
In a company news release reported by NOLA.com on April 9, Cold Stone said it is recruiting potential franchisees to run the new locations and confirmed that New Orleans is the next market on its list. The chain framed the move as a multi-year regional rollout across south Louisiana rather than a one-off shop.
"Louisiana presents a strong opportunity for growth, with its vibrant communities, steady economic momentum, and deep appreciation for food and hospitality," Cold Stone official Blake Borwick said in the release, according to NOLA.com. The comment underscores why the brand is actively seeking local franchise partners instead of focusing only on corporate-run locations.
Existing footprint in the metro
Cold Stone already has a modest foothold in Louisiana, with five shops across the state, including locations in and around Metairie, Harvey, Baton Rouge, Elmwood and Bossier City. That existing base gives the brand a starting point as it eyes more growth in the New Orleans area. The chain's store listings, which include hours and contact details for each outlet, confirm the current roster; the Cold Stone Creamery store locator shows the Metairie and Harvey shops among others.
What the push means for the region
The planned expansion folds into a broader franchising strategy under Kahala Brands, Cold Stone's franchisor. From its Scottsdale headquarters, Kahala oversees dozens of quick-service concepts and provides franchise support that can help speed up multiunit rollouts while giving local operators access to national marketing and supply networks. The scale of that operation is outlined on Kahala Brands online.
How to get involved
Cold Stone said would-be operators should start with its franchising portal, which lays out investment requirements, application steps and options for single or multiunit development. Local entrepreneurs and existing operators interested in territory or development details are directed to the site for guidance and contact information. The Cold Stone Creamery franchising site hosts the inquiry forms and outlines the next steps.
The company has not yet announced a specific New Orleans address or opening date. Those details typically surface once leases are signed and permits are filed, and we will follow up as any permits, lease records or grand opening notices appear in the coming months.
