1851

<a href="http://linkedin.com/in/brian-curin-4266059?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-cold-stone-creamery-to-little-kitchen-academy-curins-journey-of-franchising-success-2726371" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Brian Curin</a> is the CEO/CMO and co-founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://littlekitchenacademy.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-cold-stone-creamery-to-little-kitchen-academy-curins-journey-of-franchising-success-2726371" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Little Kitchen Academy</a>, 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&nbsp;<a href="https://coldstonecreameryfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-cold-stone-creamery-to-little-kitchen-academy-curins-journey-of-franchising-success-2726371" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cold Stone Creamery</a>, where he played a pivotal role in the brand's expansion.&nbsp;“We built something really, really special over the years with that concept,” Curin told 1851 Founder and Publisher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/powills/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-cold-stone-creamery-to-little-kitchen-academy-curins-journey-of-franchising-success-2726371" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nick Powills</a> in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siy1kYIMHf8&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-cold-stone-creamery-to-little-kitchen-academy-curins-journey-of-franchising-success-2726371" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">recent “Meet the Zor” podcast</a>.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:&nbsp;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:&nbsp;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:&nbsp;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:&nbsp;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:&nbsp;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:&nbsp;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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siy1kYIMHf8&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-cold-stone-creamery-to-little-kitchen-academy-curins-journey-of-franchising-success-2726371" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a>.

A Franchise Journey From Cold Stone to Little Kitchen Academy

1851 Franchise

Brian Curin has experienced franchising from every perspective. Now, as CEO of Little Kitchen Academy, he aims to empower children to grow in confidence and develop life skills. 

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

from-cold-stone-creamery-to-little-kitchen-academy-curins-journey-of-franchising-success

Woodhouse Spas

Photo of exterior of Woodhouse Spa location

Woodhouse Spas Fees: What Do I Get for My Investment?

woodhouse-spas-franchise-fees-and-support

Paris Baguette

Photo of Paris Baguette cake featuring layers with cream and berries, topped with fresh berries

The Bakery Café Industry Is Booming, and Paris Baguette Is Leading the Charge

bakery-cafe-franchise-paris-baguette-opportunity

Caring Transitions

Compassionate Support During Life’s Major Changes: How Caring Transitions Leads With Heart and Professionalism

compassionate-support-during-lifes-major-changes-how-caring-transitions-leads-with-heart-and-professionalism

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchisee-profile-moe-kahil-image

Day in the Life: Discovering the Passion Behind a Keke's Breakfast CafeⓇ Franchise

kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchisee-moe-khalil-profile

kekes-breakfast-cafe-launch-story-the-investment-building-exterior-image

The Strength of the Keke’s Breakfast CafeⓇ Franchise Investment

kekes-franchise-investment

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

House Passes Tax Relief Package With Key Benefits for Small Businesses and Franchises

house-passes-small-business-tax-relief-bill-2025

McDonald’s To Hire 375,000 Workers as It Prepares for Major U.S. Expansion

mcdonalds-to-hire-375000-workers-as-it-prepares-for-major-us-expansion

Subway Pushes Global Growth Despite U.S. Closures 

subway-pushes-global-growth-despite-us-closures

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands - 1851 Franchise

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands

doordash-acquistions-deliveroo-sevenrooms

Crumbl Franchise Investment - TSG Consumer Partners -  1851 Franchise

TSG Consumer Partners Takes Minority Stake in Crumbl, Signaling Franchise Growth Potential

crumbl-franchise-investment-tsg-consumer

How Car Sales Taught Buddy's Home Furnishings’ Mitchell Lee the Secrets of Franchise Development

how-car-sales-taught-buddys-home-furnishings-mitchell-lee-the-secrets-of-franchise-development

Bumble Roofing Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

bumble-roofing-franchise-deep-dive

kla-schools-franchise-positioning-image-playground-exterior

KLA Schools Franchise: Cultivating Curiosity, Creating Opportunity

kla-schools-franchise

From Rock Bottom to Rock Solid: Why Butch Mogavero’s Franchise Journey Is Striking a Chord With Entrepreneurs

butch-mogavero-boulder-designs-border-magic-franchisor-hot-seat

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

The Top 20 Cleaning Franchises to Invest in for 2025

top-cleaning-franchises-to-invest-in

The Top 20 Handyman Franchises To Invest in for 2025

top-handyman-franchises-to-invest-in

Affordable Franchise Opportunities: Exploring Low-Cost Home Service Franchises Under $50K

affordable-franchise-opportunities-exploring-low-cost-home-service-franchises-under-50k

franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Abid Khan and Paris Baguette logo

Longtime Tim Horton’s Franchisee Signs 4-Unit Agreement with Paris Baguette in Toronto

longtime-tim-hortons-franchisee-signs-4-unit-agreement-with-paris-baguette-in-toronto

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

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS