Buffalo Wild Wings vs Cold Stone Creamery Franchise Cost 2026
Buffalo Wild Wings runs $1.6M–$3.9M. Cold Stone Creamery runs $370K–$640K. The gap at midpoint: $2.3M.
Buffalo Wild Wings
$1.6M–$3.9M
total investment
Investment Difference
$2.3M
Cold Stone Creamery costs less
Cold Stone Creamery
$370K–$640K
total investment
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Buffalo Wild Wings | Cold Stone Creamery | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | $1.6M–$3.9M | $370K–$640K | Cold Stone Creamery |
| Franchise Fee | $50,000 | $27,000 | Cold Stone Creamery |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 6.0% | Buffalo Wild Wings |
| Ad Fund Fee | 3.5% | 3.0% | Cold Stone Creamery |
| Net Worth Required | $1.5M | $250K | Cold Stone Creamery |
| Liquid Capital | $750K | $100K | Cold Stone Creamery |
| Est. Break-Even | 22.7 yr | 39.1 yr | Buffalo Wild Wings |
Buffalo Wild Wings Profile
- Category
- food
- Total Investment
- $1.6M–$3.9M
- Franchise Fee
- $50,000
- Royalty
- 5.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $3.5M
Cold Stone Creamery Profile
- Category
- food
- Total Investment
- $370K–$640K
- Franchise Fee
- $27,000
- Royalty
- 6.0%
- Est. Annual Revenue
- $430K
Bottom Line
Cold Stone Creamery costs $2.3M less to open at the midpoint. That difference goes toward working capital or a second location. Buffalo Wild Wings also wins on royalty rate.