Customize Your Own Ice Cream Creation at Cold Stone Creamery

The Origins of Cold Stone Creamery

Cold Stone Creamery opened its first ice cream shop in Tempe, Arizona in 1988. The founders were Donald and Susan Sutherland, who sought to create an interactive ice cream experience where customers could customize their own ice cream creations. The name Cold Stone comes from the frozen granite stone that the ice cream is mixed on, which helps incorporate mix-in candies and fruits thoroughly and quickly.

Signature Ice Cream Creations

Cold Stone is known for its signature ice cream creations that allow customers to choose a size, ice cream flavor, and mix-in ingredients. Some of the most popular flavors include Sweet Cream, Chocolate Devotion, Mint Mint Chocolate Chocolate Chip, and Cake Batter. Favorite mix-in ingredients include rainbow sprinkles, Oreo cookies, almonds, pineapples, blueberries, and raspberries. Customers can combine any ingredients they want to create their own unique frozen treat.

Expanding Across the Country

The first few Cold Stone Creamery shops were successful in Arizona, so the Sutherlands began expanding. By 1995, additional locations opened throughout the Southwest. In the early 2000s, Cold Stone grew rapidly across the United States through company-owned and franchise stores. By 2010 there were over 1,400 Cold Stone Creamery locations.

The Ice Cream Experience

When customers walk into a Cold Stone Creamery, they immediately notice the large granite stone that the ice cream is prepared on. Employees mix the fresh ice cream with toppings right on the sub-zero granite slab in order to properly fold and incorporate the ingredients. The texture is smooth, creamy, and flavorful.

Unique Flavors and Creations

In addition to classic ice cream flavors, Cold Stone offers unique patented creations. Some examples include the Birthday Cake Remix with rainbow sprinkles, chocolate chips, and fudge, or the Chocolate Extreme made with chocolate ice cream, chocolate chips, brownies, and caramel. Customers can also invent their own personalized ice cream combinations at the mix-in counter.

Ice Cream Cakes

Cold Stone Creamery makes decadent ice cream cakes perfect for birthdays or special occasions. Customers can choose cake flavors like Cookie Dough, Chocolate Lovers Only, Strawberry Passion, or Classic Vanilla. Each cake is made with layers of fresh ice cream and crunchy base coated in frosting. The cakes are decorated with sprinkles and frosting roses for an extra touch.

Why People Love Cold Stone

There are several reasons why Cold Stone Creamery remains such a popular brand after over 30 years in business.

Quality Ice Cream

The ice cream itself is simply delicious and made with high quality ingredients like real dairy cream and milk. The texture is exceptionally smooth, creamy, and moist. Stores make small batches throughout the day rather than storing large quantities. This ensures each serving is as fresh as possible.

Unique Flavors

In addition to having common flavors like chocolate and vanilla, Cold Stone carries more adventurous ice cream choices. They have flavors based on cakes, cookies, candies, and fruits like raspberry, lemon, mango, and peanut butter. There are always new flavors being developed and rotated on menus so there's always something new to try.

Customization

What really makes Cold Stone stand out is the ability for customers to customize their own ice cream creations. At the mixing counter, they can select multiple flavors and unlimited toppings to make a personalized sweet treat. Kids and adults alike have fun inventing new combinations.

FAQs

What mix-in toppings can I choose from at Cold Stone?

Cold Stone Creamery has a wide assortment of mix-in toppings so you can create a custom ice cream combination. Some top options include rainbow sprinkles, chocolate chips, Reese's Pieces, gummy bears, brownies, coconut, almonds, pineapples, raspberries, marshmallows, and Oreo cookies. The possibilities are endless!

Does Cold Stone offer ice cream cakes?

Yes, Cold Stone Creamery makes decadent ice cream cakes with your choice of cake flavors and frosting. Some popular options are the Cookie Dough ice cream cake, Strawberry Passion fruit cake, Chocolate Lovers Only cake, and the Classic Vanilla Bean cake. Each cake has layers of ice cream and a crunchy base, coated in rich frosting and sprinkles.

What ice cream flavors does Cold Stone have?

Cold Stone serves up all the classic ice cream flavors like Sweet Cream, Chocolate Devotion, Strawberry Passion, Mint Mint Chocolate Chocolate Chip, and Cake Batter. They also have unique creations like the Founder's Favorite with brownie batter ice cream or the Cotton Candy Twist with blue cotton candy ice cream. New flavors are introduced regularly.

Can I order Cold Stone ice cream for delivery?

Yes, in many areas you can get Cold Stone Creamery delivered right to your door through delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, GrubHub or Postmates. This way you can enjoy fresh Cold Stone ice cream without leaving home.