The offering circular states that the initial franchise fee is $42,000. In addition, the franchisee must pay an application fee of up to $75, a lease administration fee of between 2% and 5% of the base rent under the Master Lease, an amount between $2,000 and $6,000 to pay for Franchisor's attorney's review of the Master Lease and an amount equal to the initial monthly rent, estimated monthly operating expenses and security deposit under the Master Lease. Also according to the offering circular, the franchisee must use the franchisee as the broker for the purchase of equipment and signage for the Cold Stone Creamery restaurant. Finally, the franchisee must also deposit the cost of that equipment and signage (estimated to be between $97,100 and $121,500) and pay an Equipment and Signage Fee in the amount of 4% of the cost of that equipment and signage (estimated to be between $3,900 and $5,000).

The franchisor’s estimate of the Initial Investment, including the above amounts, is between $294,250 and $438,850 (except for franchises in Alaska, Hawaii and the Caribbean, where most costs will be up to 50% higher, and for franchises in the New York metropolitan area, where most costs will be up to 300% higher). These figures are estimates only and it is possible to significantly exceed costs in any of the areas listed.