SCOTTSDALE Ariz. Kahala-Cold Stone, the newly formed company created from the merger of multiconcept operator Kahala Corp. and ice cream chain Cold Stone Creamery, has acquired the assets of New York-based Blimpie Associates and Metropolitan Blimpie, a wholly independent franchisor and operator of the Blimpie concept.
Kahala, which already owns and operates the 1,300-unit Blimpie International, acquired the 295-unit New York company for an undisclosed sum. Blimpie Associates owns the franchise rights for New York City, Maryland, Pennsylvania and parts of New Jersey. Blimpie International owns the rights for the rest of the United States.
Kahala-Cold Stone said the unification of the two Blimpie concepts will enable the company to consolidate all purchasing, marketing and training programs. The 4,600-unit multibrand company said it also will step up expansion of the quick-service sandwich chain, particular in the international arena.