How could the acquisition of a Cold Stone Creamery franchise affect Yelp?
New ownership may change customer experience at Cold Stone Creamery The acquisition of the Jefferson City Cold Stone Creamery franchise by Hamdi and Meriam Harbaoui introduces new management and operational adjustments. These changes include extending opening hours and restoring online ordering capabilities. While the new owners state they will maintain the same exceptional customer service, any shift in operations or management style could alter the customer experience. This change in experience is the primary driver of customer reviews and ratings on platforms like Yelp.
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How it reaches Yelp
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Hamdi Harbaoui and Meriam Harbaoui acquired a Cold Stone Creamery franchise from former franchisee Buddy Scott on October 15, 2026. The business, located at 610 Wildwood Drive, offers ice cream, cakes, and a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory stand. The new owners, who already operate five Cold Stone Creamery stores in Los Angeles and Orange counties, have extended opening hours and reinstated online ordering.
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The change in management and the introduction of new operational procedures, such as extended hours and online ordering, could influence how customers interact with the store. Since Yelp is a platform based on customer feedback, any change in the quality or nature of the customer experience could lead to shifts in the sentiment and volume of reviews posted on the site.
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The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- Hamdi Harbaoui acquired a local Cold Stone Creamery franchise on October 15, 2026.newstribune.com
- The new owners extended opening hours to 9:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.newstribune.com
- Online ordering has returned through Cold Stone's website or third-party platforms such as DoorDash, Uber Eats and locally owned RapidChow.newstribune.com
Why it matters
For Cold Stone Creamery, maintaining a positive reputation is critical, and Yelp serves as a major barometer of public satisfaction. Any shift in the customer experience, whether due to the new management's approach or the operational changes, could directly impact the brand's perceived quality and local standing.
This transition follows a pattern where local franchise ownership changes often lead to adjustments in service models. The new Harbaoui family intends to operate the Jefferson City location as an absentee owner, which contrasts with the day-to-day involvement of the previous owner, Buddy Scott, who is still involved with catering operations.
What we don't know yet
- Will the new owners maintain the same level of customer service as the previous management?
- How will the integration of third-party delivery platforms affect the in-store customer experience?
What would change this answer
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Reporting
- newstribune.comOct 15
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