June 24--A Cold Stone Creamery is slated to open later this summer on the Near North Side, part of a franchise group's plans to expand in Chicago.
The 800-square-foot space at 20 W. Ohio St. will open in early August, the second city location opened by franchise group Chicago Scoops, said President Kyle Welch.
Chicago Scoops opened its first Cold Stone in May 2014 in the city's University Village neighborhood, the first of 24 shops in 11 states that opened in its first year of operation, Welch said. It is "aggressively" scouting other Chicago locations.
"We don't have anything locked up 100 percent, but we're looking all over the city," Welch said.
Cold Stone, known for custom ice cream made on a frozen granite stone, has suburban locations operated by other franchise groups.
Welch said Cold Stone stores operated by other franchisees in Chicago have been closed for years.
"We want to bring it back, and people want it back," he said.
geoffz@tribpub.com
