Not Dairy Queen Or Baskin-Robbins: This Is America's Top-Rated Ice Cream Shop In 2026
Though brands like Dairy Queen and Baskin-Robbins have built international recognition, another ice cream business is winning over the hearts and stomachs of Americans. According to YouGov's Best Bites 2026: U.S. restaurant brand rankings report, Cold Stone Creamery claims the position of the top-ranked coffee and ice cream shop in the United States. Data analyzed from tracked consumer trends and respondents' answers showed that just over 22% identified Cold Stone as their favorite ice cream chain. Baskin-Robbins trailed the brand with 16.7% of respondents' votes, with Dairy Queen at 16.2%, and Culver's rounding it out with 6.1%. To land the top position, Cold Stone Creamery maintained its tracked scores for at least half a year, and over 35,000 responses were considered.
Founded in Tempe, Arizona in 1988, Cold Stone Creamery has differentiated itself by mixing its daily house-made ice cream on a cold granite stone. Customers can create their own recipes or order a variety of classic and creative flavors on and off the menu. Cold Stone also takes credit for creating Cake Batter ice cream, which a franchise owner is reported to have made in 2003.
Cold Stone Creamery has a record of giving customers what they want
As with any data, interpretation can vary depending on the category being measured. Cold Stone ranked second for quality behind Krispy Kreme, yet placed only eighth out of 10 for value, with Culver's and Baskin-Robbins receiving higher marks from respondents. Though some customers have noted that Cold Stone's ice cream can be pricey, enough diners are swayed by the franchise's secret menu flavors, custom mix-ins, and ice cream cakes (especially when compared to Baskin-Robbins) to take to social media and online forums to defend their favorite flavors and cold creations. Part of Cold Stone's appeal may come from the in-store experience, where ice cream becomes interactive instead of being simply scooped out of a freezer display. Watching various ingredients get mixed with chosen flavors gives repeat customers total control over their sweet treat, and nearly endless combinations can be created from the available options.
"Birthday cake remix no sprinkles is GOATED," wrote one fan on YouTube, with others on the same post recommending Peanut Butter Cup Perfection made with half Sweet Cream ice cream or advocating for sampling a customized Banana Caramel Crunch made with Cheesecake ice cream. For a franchise that has prided itself on pioneering customization, the approach has clearly worked.