CEO & Co-founder, Chicago Scoops

Kyle Welch (B.A. Hospitality Business, ‘09) Kyle Welch (B.A. Hospitality Business, ‘09)is the co-founder and CEO of Chicago Scoops. Scoops owns and operates 50+ Cold Stone Creamery locations across 15 states. Prior, Welch served as Operating Partner of Chicago Caesars, a multi-unit Little Caesars franchise group and as CEO of Epic Burger, leading the brand to be named in the 40/40 List for 2020: America's hottest startup fast casuals. Mr. Welch began his professional career at Sizzling Platter, a multi-concept restaurant management company, as the lean champion, leading process improvement, market acquisition and new store openings. Welch holds a degree in hospitality business from Michigan State University. Kyle currently serves on the auxiliary board for College Possible Chicago, as a mentor at the Food Foundry Chicago and as a founding board member of Prosper Chicago, a non-profit dedicated to erasing food insecurity in Chicago. In 2020, he was recognized as a member of Crain's Chicago 40 under 40, and in 2021, was awarded the Young Alumni Grand Award from Michigan State University.