From Cold Stone Creamery to Little Kitchen Academy: Curin’s Journey of Franchising Success

Brian Curin is the CEO/CMO and co-founder of Little Kitchen Academy, a premier Montessori-inspired cooking academy that offers a safe environment where children learn practical life skills, build confidence and establish healthy eating habits. Little Kitchen Academy, however, is not Curin’s first franchise experience.

Curin's journey into franchising began through a position in the retail industry, where he developed a passion for brand development and operations. After that, Curin had his first significant venture with Cold Stone Creamery, where he played a pivotal role in the brand's expansion. 

“We built something really, really special over the years with that concept,” Curin told 1851 Founder and Publisher Nick Powills in a recent “Meet the Zor” podcast.

His role at Cold Stone allowed him to deeply understand franchising, shaping his future endeavors in the industry. His experience wasn't limited to being a franchisor; Curin also became the first international master franchisee for Cold Stone, offering him unique insights into the franchise owner perspective.

While scalability and exit strategies are important, Curin explained that the most important aspect for him is passion for the product and brand.

“I romanticize and get excited about the product or the brand and then [wonder] how can we not share it with the world? Everyone should know about it,” he said. “So how can we scale it quickly? Franchising is the best platform to do that.”

Curin's comprehensive experience — from vendor to franchisor to franchisee — has equipped him with a holistic understanding of the franchising ecosystem. This diverse background has enabled Curin to build strong brands and successful franchises, but what motivates him is his desire to build meaningful concepts that have an impact on the world.

“We've always taken the approach that we build something to be bought not to be sold, and it's a very different mentality,” he said. “And when you do that, your value is higher and you build more value early on.”

A summarized transcript of Curin’s interview with Powills appears below. It has been edited for clarity, brevity and style.

Nick Powills: How did you accidentally fall into franchising? What is your franchise story?

Brian Curin: It was accidental, really. My first experience with franchising was with convenience stores, which I consider one of the best benchmarks in franchising due to their efficient systems and widespread operation. It started when I was in my early 20s, working with a cigar company that took off in Canada, U.S. and Mexico. We began introducing premium cigars into convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Circle K. Seeing the franchisee experience intrigued me, and I realized franchising was a great platform to share products with the world.

Powills: Could you elaborate on how you transitioned from being a vendor to becoming a franchisor?

Curin: My next step was with Cold Stone Creamery. I learned about franchising through convenience stores, and the ice cream chain caught my attention. I was fortunate to meet the CEO when Cold Stone was just starting out. I fell in love with the brand and was asked to join as an executive partner. That's where I really learned about franchising and helped build something special.

Powills: Your approach seems focused on scaling and eventual exit. How did you develop this mindset?

Curin: It's quite the opposite, actually. I get excited about products and brands, wanting to share them with the world. Franchising offers a platform to do just that. My experience with Cold Stone taught me about scaling and the importance of franchisee success. Even when I transitioned to being a master franchisee, I learned valuable lessons about navigating the franchising world.

Powills: What frustrations did you encounter as a franchisor, and how did you address them?

Curin: Feeling like my voice wasn't heard was a major frustration. Sometimes, franchisees felt isolated, trying to implement changes or improvements that were met with resistance from the franchisor. Bridging that gap and fostering better communication became crucial in addressing these issues.

Powills: Can you discuss the importance of setting expectations and educating franchisees?

Curin: Absolutely. Franchisees come from various backgrounds and mindsets, so it's essential to classify them correctly and provide the right education. Understanding the franchise model and managing expectations from the outset can lead to more successful partnerships.

Powills: How do you differentiate your brand and empower franchisees?

Curin: We focus on building a strong brand and strategic relationships to accelerate growth. Empowering franchisees is key. We provide robust support, including operations manuals and marketing tools, to ensure their success. It's about creating value and fostering a sense of partnership.

Powills: Where is your brand today, and what are you looking for in potential franchisees?

Curin: We're a leading Montessori cooking academy for kids, recognized for our impact and partnerships. We're seeking kind individuals who connect with our mission of empowering youth through healthier cooking skills. We're open to global expansion and flexible partnerships, prioritizing quality over rapid growth.

Powills: How do you think educating potential franchisees can enhance the franchising industry?

Curin: Educating potential franchisees is crucial for long-term success. By setting clear expectations and providing comprehensive training, we can create stronger partnerships and foster healthier franchise systems. It's about empowering individuals to make informed decisions and contribute positively to their communities.

Watch the full interview here.