Think of the best ice cream you've ever had.  Where did you get it from?  If your answer to this question is not "Cold Stone", then I will give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you have never been to this magical place where the best ice cream is created.  Just in case you aren't aquainted with the ice cream store, I'll begin with a little background information.  The very first Cold Stone shop was opened in 1988 in Temple, Arizona by owners Don and Susan Southerland.  As the store's popularity grew, so did the number of new franchises across the United States.  In 1997, the store served it's one millionth ice cream cone.  In 2000, Cold Stone was included in Entreprenuer magazine's list of Fastest Growing Franchises in America.
	Why, you may wonder, is this ice cream store so special, especially in a town that has plenty of viable options for the frozen treat?  Let's start with the atmosphere of the place.  As soon as you walk in the door, you are greeted not only by the very friendly and pleasant employees, but also by the warm, inviting smell of freshly baked waffle cones.  A worker brings out a batch of freshly made ice cream and proclaims the flavor to the customers waiting in line.  You can watch as your ice cream is skillfully prepared litterally on a cold stone so as to not melt the ice cream when mixing in any combination of candies and syrups that you desire.
	Cold Stone's menu is as expansive as it is delicious.  Customers can choose from various "Cold Stone Signature Creations", which have been developed by a team of Cold Stone chefs, or a custom creation can be made on the spot.  My personal favorite is sweet cream and chocolate ice cream with cookie dough mixed in.  There are plenty of candies to choose from, such as Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Butterfinger, chocolate chips, gummi bears, Oreo cookies, Twix, and Snickers to name a few.  Fruits such as bananas, black cherries, blueberries, and strawberries can also be mixed in, along with chocolate and caramel syrup and peanut butter.  Ice cream flavors are equally as bountiful and include favorites such as French Vanilla, mint, strawberry, and cake batter, as well as seasonal flavors such as candy cane and pumpkin.  Healthier options are also available in the form of smoothies, sorbet and no sugar added flavors.  It's safe to say that there is something that everyone will enjoy at Cold Stone.
	Begining in 2002, Cold Stone parterned with the Make-A-Wish Foundation for the World's Largest Ice Cream Social to raise money for the charity.  All month long in September, customers can purchase a Make-A-Wish paper star with their ice cream to hang up anywhere on the walls of the store.  Every year by the end of the month the walls of the Southpoint store are always completely covered.  The money raised helps make wishes come true for children with life-threatening medical conditions.  In addition to the fundraiser, each year one ice cream loving kid is selected to concoct the Make-A-Wish Creation, which is featured at the World's Largest Ice Cream Social.
	Cold Stone has won numerous awards and recognitions from the east to the west coast of the US, including "Favorite Ice Cream Shop" from the Baltimore Guide and being named the "Best Kids' Treat Place" by LA Parent Magazine.  TV shows such as The Early Show, Fox & Friends, and Good Morning America have featured Cold Stone and it's products.  These publications and shows are viewed by millions of people and have some of the world's best food critics on their roster.  Cold Stone has managed to find the right balance of community involvment, customer service, plentiful options, and delicious ice cream, to have earned the top spot in the world of ice cream.