Most Cold Stone Creamery stores are owned and operated by independent franchisee operators. These franchisees, who want to be in business for themselves but not by themselves, are independent employers which means they exclusively: (i) recruit, hire, train, and manage their own employees, (ii) set their own employment policies and procedures, and (iii) handle all matters of employment at their store. Franchisor does not control employment matters and does not employ those working at franchised restaurants.