Kahala, Cold Stone Creamery's parent company, signed a 10 year Master Franchise Agreement with Ivybridge Trading Ltd., which will open up nine stores in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, in the next five years.
Ivybridge Trading Ltd. is a group made up of three of the strongest companies in Nigeria. Their businesses include retail and residential real estate, industrial production, construction, healthcare, hotels, catering, oil and retail.
"Cold Stone Creamery's ice cream is a custom-made work-of-art that reflects one's personality with its endless choices and combinations made of super-premium ingredients that are always fresh and tasty," said Marwan Dalloul, president of Ivybridge Trading Ltd, in a statement. "At Ivybridge Trading Ltd., we only partner with the best, finest and most unique brands. We are delighted to start providing Nigeria with the 'Ultimate Experience' within the ice cream industry."
Cold Stone Creamery will be the first national ice cream chain and the first ice cream concept to provide a customizable serving experience in Nigeria, according to a company release.
"Since Nigeria is the trendsetter within Western Africa, finding a partner in this country was an undeniable next step to continue our growth within the continent," said Dan Beem, Cold Stone Creamery's president of International. "Ivybridge is an extremely well known company in Nigeria and the breadth of knowledge and experience they have in the market is second to none, which makes them the best and most perfect partner for Cold Stone Creamery in Nigeria."
The creamery company will be dealing with Eat 'N' Go Restaurant Group, a fast- rising group of restaurants known for its great taste and experience. The first- rate Nigerian QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) player, is set to commission the first two outlets of the global fast food brand on Victoria Island and Lekki, Lagos.
Cold Stone Creamery stores are operating in more than 380 international locations and in 20 different countries including China, South Korea, Canada, Denmark and the United Arab Emirates.
