Cold Stone Creamery, along with the brand's parent company, Kahala, has announced plans for the concept's development in Thailand. The companies have signed a 20-year agreement with Central Restaurants Group Co. Ltd. (CRG) to introduce the unique ice cream experience throughout Thailand.
CRG, through a master franchise agreement, aims to open 10 stores in the country by 2014.
The expansion of the Cold Stone Creamery brand in Thailand will further solidify the company's goal of expanding its creative ice cream experience around the world. Since opening its first international store in Tokyo in November 2005, the company now has 160 international locations in 14 different countries including China, Korea, Canada, Denmark and the United Arab Emirates.
CRG is the ideal partner for making this vision a reality in Thailand. Touted as a pioneer in introducing Western quick-service restaurant concepts throughout the country, CRG has successfully developed brands such as Kentucky Fried Chicken, Mister Donut and Auntie Anne's. The first Cold Stone Creamery Thailand location is expected to open in February in Bangkok's Central World shopping complex.
"CRG has 30 years of QSR experience in Thailand," said Dan Beem, Kahala's president of international. "The company's successful record of securing premier locations, driving traffic and their operations know-how makes the organization the ideal partner for Cold Stone Creamery's latest international expansion."
