Arizona-based ice cream chain Cold Stone Creamery has sold its master franchise interest for Japan to HotLand Corp.
Currently there are 34 Cold Stone Creamery stores operating in Japan. Under the new agreement with HotLand, the goal is to have 100 stores throughout Japan by the end of 2017.
HotLand brings over 20 years of experience in the food and beverage industry to the table with concepts such as Gindaco, The Taiyaki, Sakura-Street and nine other concepts spanning Japan, China, Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore.
“Through this purchase, we are able to continue our mission and passion of delivering the best in delicious food to as many people across the globe as we are able, for many years to come,” said Morio Sase, founder and president of HotLand Corp.
Cold Stone Creamery is a subsidiary of Kahala, one of the fastest growing franchising companies in the world, with a portfolio of 15 quick service restaurant brands. Cold Stone Creamery currently operates more than 1500 locations in 30 countries.
“The Japanese people have shown great support of our brand since we entered the country in 2005 and with the leverage and strength HotLand Corp offers, the deal exceeds all of our expectations,” said Michael Serruya, chairman and CEO of Kahala.
