Absentee Cold Stone Creamery | $841K Rev • $217K SDE | Manager & Staff in Place | Prime Location | Self Funded & Seller Financing Deal

Established Ice Cream Retail Business

Absentee Operated | Management in Place | Proven Cash Flow | Self-Funded or Seller Financing Available | No SBA Required | Seller Seeking Fast Close

Executive Business Overview

This opportunity represents the acquisition of an established, operating retail dessert business currently run on an absentee basis with management and staff already in place.

The owner is not involved in daily operations, making this a compelling opportunity for a buyer seeking cash flow without hands-on management.

The business operates under the Cold Stone Creamery system, providing operational consistency and brand-driven demand, while day-to-day execution is handled at the store level.

Key Financial Snapshot

Annual Gross Sales: ~$841,000

Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE): ~$217,000

Operating Model: Absentee / Semi-Absentee

Staffing: Manager + hourly staff in place

These financials reflect a stable, operating business, not a turnaround or startup concept.

Absentee Ownership Model (Core Value Proposition)

This location is already structured for absentee ownership.

Current Operating Reality

Owner is not present day-to-day

Store is managed by an on-site manager

Staff operate independently

Scheduling, ordering, and opening/closing handled without owner involvement

This structure significantly reduces transition risk and allows a new owner to step directly into a management-led operation.

Management & Staff Continuity

Current manager has expressed willingness to remain post-sale

Staff are accustomed to operating under a management structure

No operational dependency on the seller

This provides immediate continuity for:

Semi-absentee buyers

Multi-unit operators

Investors balancing other businesses or careers

Final retention discussions will occur during buyer meetings and due diligence.

The Business — Not Just the Franchise

From a buyer’s standpoint, this opportunity is about acquiring a running retail business with proven performance, including:

Established revenue

Predictable customer traffic

Proven operating systems

Brand-driven demand

Known cost structure

The franchise provides operational infrastructure and brand support, while the value lies in the existing cash-flowing operation.

Simple, Repeatable Operating Model

Operational complexity is relatively low compared to many food concepts:

No cooking or fryers

No chef-dependent execution

Limited SKUs

Predictable preparation and service flow

Short staff training ramp

This simplicity is a key reason the business performs successfully under absentee ownership.

Revenue Mix & Stability

The business benefits from multiple revenue streams, including:

In-store retail sales

Custom ice cream creations

Ice cream cakes (higher-margin planned orders)

Grab-and-go items

Catering, parties, and seasonal events

Operator Insight:

Cake orders and catering often represent additional upside under engaged ownership.

Labor Profile & Risk Mitigation

No specialized kitchen labor required

Easy-to-hire part-time staff

Clear operating procedures

Manager oversees daily operations

This reduces exposure to labor volatility and minimizes owner burnout risk.

Brand & Demand Advantage

While this is positioned as a business sale, the brand provides meaningful advantages:

Built-in customer trust

Repeat family-driven demand

Strong seasonal and holiday traffic

Brand marketing support driving foot traffic

These factors reduce customer acquisition risk and support stable sales performance.

Upside Without Reinventing the Business

Growth does not require major operational changes.

Common Value-Add Opportunities

Optimizing hours and labor efficiency

Expanding cake and catering sales

Developing local partnerships

Incremental operational improvements

These are execution-based improvements, not speculative changes.

Ideal Buyer Profile

This opportunity is well suited for:

Absentee or semi-absentee buyers

Business owners seeking diversification

Multi-unit franchise operators

Investors seeking stable cash flow

No restaurant or ice cream industry experience required.

Broker’s Perspective

This is a clean acquisition of a cash-flowing, absentee-operated retail business with management and staff already in place, producing approximately $841K in annual revenue and $217K in Seller’s Discretionary Earnings.

The buyer is stepping into continuity — not chaos.

Confidential Sale Process

NDA required

Financials available to qualified buyers

Store visits by appointment only

No contact with staff or customers