The Fascinating History Behind Cold Stone Creamery, The Most Iconic Brand To Come Out Of Arizona

Among the most famous ice cream brands in the country, Cold Stone Creamery got its start right here in Arizona. Here’s the backstory (and why the ice cream is so delicious):

Among the most popular ice cream chains in America, Cold Stone Creamery was founded 32 years ago in Tempe.

Stores have since popped up all over the country, but the very first franchise still stands to this day.

In 1988, Donald and Susan Sutherland sought to create ice cream that was neither hard-packed nor soft serve.

The premium ice cream offered at Cold Stone is 12-14% butterfat, making for a smooth and creamy mouthful guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The name "Cold Stone" describes the frozen granite slab used by employees to fold mix-ins into the ice cream.

Choose your flavor, then decide what candies, nuts, syrups, and other decadent toppings you'd like.

Cold Stone Creamery merged with Kahala Corp in May of 2007 to create Kahala-Cold Stone, which collectively owns 13 brands.

Doug Ducey, now Governor of Arizona, was CEO of the new company until September, at which point Kevin Blackwell, the former CEO of Kahala, assumed the role.

Kahala Brands reached an agreement with Canadian coffee shop Tim Hortons in early 2009, which allowed the pair to open 100 co-branded stores in the U.S.

Similar collaboration efforts have included Soup Kitchen International and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

Products at Cold Stone are served in four sizes: Kid, "Like It," "Love It," and "Gotta Have It."

Milkshakes and smoothies are also available, and workers are encouraged to sing when accepting a tip.

With flavors like Peanut Butter Cup Perfection, Oreo Overload, Birthday Cake Perfection, and so many more scrumptious offerings, rest assured there's something for everyone.

Other products include ice cream cakes, pies, cookie sandwiches, smoothies, shakes, and iced or blended coffee drinks.

Visit the creamery's website or Facebook page to learn more.

Have you ever visited the original Cold Stone Creamery? If so, what’s your favorite flavor? Let us know, and check out our previous article for more delicious ice cream to try this summer: The Delicious Sundaes From These 9 Arizona Ice Cream Parlors Are All You Need In Life.