SCOTTSDALE Ariz. Multi-concept franchisor Kahala-Cold Stone Corp. said Thursday it has added the seven-unit Cereality Cereal Bar & Café concept to its growing brand portfolio.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed, but Chicago-based Cereality is now the 14th concept under Kahala-Cold Stone, a company formed as the result of a recent merger between multi-concept franchisor Kahala Corp. and ice-cream brand Cold Stone Creamery.
“When we formed Kahala-Cold Stone, we promised to aggressively seek out acquisitions of leading brands in the QSR space to grow the portfolio of franchise brands for partners, and this is the first of many to come,” said Kevin Blackwell, Kahala-Cold Stone’s chair and chief strategist.
Cereality, a quick-service concept featuring more than 30 cereal varieties and blends with assorted toppings, was founded in 2003 by David Roth and Rick Bacher. The chain is expected to open its eighth unit at J.F.K International Airport later this month. Two of the units are franchised, and the company said it has agreements to open an additional 24 franchise locations across the country.
In addition to Cold Stone, Kahala-Cold Stone brands include the Blimpie sandwich chain, Frullati Café & Bakery, The Great Steak & Potato Company, Johnnie’s N.Y. Pizzeria, Nrgize Lifestyle Café & Bakery, Ranch 1, Rollerz, Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill, Surf City Squeeze, Taco Time, WaffLo and V’s Barbershops.
