Did you know, our Cold Stone Creamery is one of the LAST in the DMV?

Who doesn't like an incredible scoop of locally made ice cream?  Sure, getting it in the middle of winter might be a little odd, but hey, why not.  Cold Stone Creamery was founded in 1988 in Tempe, Arizona.  Across the past 2 decades they grew from a few stores in the Arizona desert to a franchised behemoth that hit the DC Metro area in the late 1990 and early 2000s.  At the height of chain's expansion efforts in Montgomery County, there were 8 locations.  And that didn't includes the ones in Virginia or DC proper.

But, the frozen yogurt craze that hit our area seemed to cool the ice cream providers growth, and the global financial crisis seemed to hit particularly hard on the chain (and many other "fast food" or specialty dining retailers) as consumers were particularly caution with extra spending.  And at 5$ for a scoop, I can see why it is an easy indulgence to forgo.  Just in Maryland alone, locations in Hagerstown, Bethesda, Montgomery Mall, and Silver Spring have all been forced to close, all from what I understood after a quick call with their corporate office earlier this afternoon, there are no plans to expand or open any new locations in the immediate future.

So, why is the location in the Kentlands not only open, but thriving?

Well, I think there are 3 key factors. First, Cold Stone not only sells its own ice cream products, but shares its space with the famous Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and the quality and demand of their chocolates has continued to stay strong.  Second, they might have one of the most desirable retail locations in the area.  I mean, when you are done dining at either Chipotle or Chick-Fil-A or Cava or Jersey Mikes, who wouldn't want a scoop. It is nestled between incredibly well trafficked retail corridors and provides a tasty treat.  Third, our Kentlands Location has also created a few custom ice-cream creations that merge the benefits of the two brands.  Ice-cream cakes and new Rocky Mountain Chocolate ice cream creations are also helping fuel growth.

Next time you are out in the Kentlands Plaza (well, maybe just when it is over 80 degrees out) be sure to pop in and support our local Cold Stone Creamery and The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.  I'm sure they're working hard to make sure they do not have to share the unfortunate fate that has plagued so many of their peers.

Their hours are listed below:

Cold Stone Creamery
Kentlands Square
84 Main Street, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Phone: (301) 590-0009
Sun -Thu: 11am-9:30pm
Fri - Sat: 11am-10pm

- Yianni