FranchiseBudget

Baskin-Robbins vs Cold Stone Creamery Franchise Cost 2026

Baskin-Robbins runs $97K–$394K. Cold Stone Creamery runs $370K–$640K. The gap at midpoint: $259K.

Baskin-Robbins

$97K–$394K

total investment

Investment Difference

$259K

Baskin-Robbins costs less

Cold Stone Creamery

$370K–$640K

total investment

Cost Breakdown

Category Baskin-Robbins Cold Stone Creamery Lower Cost
Total Investment $97K–$394K $370K–$640K Baskin-Robbins
Franchise Fee $25,000 $27,000 Baskin-Robbins
Royalty Rate 5.9% 6.0% Baskin-Robbins
Ad Fund Fee 5.0% 3.0% Cold Stone Creamery
Net Worth Required $250K $250K Baskin-Robbins
Liquid Capital $100K $100K Baskin-Robbins
Est. Break-Even 58.7 yr 39.1 yr Cold Stone Creamery

Baskin-Robbins Profile

Category
food
Total Investment
$97K–$394K
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Royalty
5.9%
Est. Annual Revenue
$380K
Full Baskin-Robbins Cost Breakdown →

Cold Stone Creamery Profile

Category
food
Total Investment
$370K–$640K
Franchise Fee
$27,000
Royalty
6.0%
Est. Annual Revenue
$430K
Full Cold Stone Creamery Cost Breakdown →

Bottom Line

Baskin-Robbins costs $259K less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. Baskin-Robbins also wins on royalty rate.