Bronxville, NY (RestaurantNews.com) Cookies & Cream has signed its first franchisees in Florida, with Carla Arcidiacono and her husband, James executing an agreement to open the brand’s first Florida location in the Spring Hill area.
The Sping Hill shop is planned at approximately 1,000 square feet and will feature the brand’s fresh baked, home style cookies and premium dessert menu, including more than 16 cookie varieties and 25 ice cream flavors.
“This is the first of our 50 units projected for Florida as we continue to award, and more importantly, open successful franchised locations,” said Gary Occhiogrosso, founder and managing partner of Franchise Growth Solutions, which leads franchise development for Cookies & Cream. “Our strategy is not to simply sell franchises. We focus on franchisee success, because strong profits and unit economics are what truly scale a franchise brand.”
Joe Edwards, founder and CEO of Cookies & Cream, said: “Florida is a key growth market for us, and this opening will set the tone for how we expand, with the right partners, disciplined site selection, and an operating model built for repeat success,” Carla and James are exactly the kind of franchisees we want representing the brand.”
Cookies & Cream has awarded 16 units in the New York, New Jersey, Tri State market with other markets in Pennsylvania and South Carolina now under development. The chain now has 9 units opened. The company projects to open three more by mid-spring 2026. Next to open will be White Plains, NY, Park Slope & Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and Yardley, Pa. Edwards continued by stating: “We’re now in five states and will continue to roll out new units in select markets, ensuring we don’t spread ourselves too thin while building a responsible infrastructure to properly service and set- up our franchise for success”
“We chose Cookies & Cream because the product quality is exceptional, the model is practical, and the support team is serious about helping owners win,” said Carla Arcidiacono “After evaluating several franchise opportunities and speaking with existing Cookies & Cream franchisees, Jim and I chose this brand because the product quality is outstanding, the menu has real variety, the model is simple and scalable, and the franchisor support is outstanding. Spring Hill and the surrounding areas are strong, growing communities, and the right fit for a fun, family-focused dessert concept. Our goal is to open a welcoming Cookies & Cream dessert shop that delivers exceptional customer experiences, builds a strong local team, and creates a foundation for future locations.”
About Cookies & Cream
Cookies & Cream is a fast growing dessert brand known for fresh baked, home style cookies and a broad lineup of premium ice cream flavors. The company is expanding through franchising with a focus on product quality, operational consistency, and franchisee support. CookiesAndCreamFranchise.com.
About Franchise Growth Solutions
Franchise Growth Solutions is a franchise advisory, development, and sales organization that helps brands scale through franchising with strategy, execution, and franchisee success systems designed for sustainable growth. FranchiseGrowthSolutions.com
Media Inquiries:
Sarah Osorio
Franchise Growth Solutions, LLC.™
sara@frangrow.com
201-534-5610
FranchiseGrowthSolutions.com
