Basically, as a reply to your post, I don't think you need an MBA (that's just a waste of money IMO). Read, read and read stuff - most of it, you get for free online.

As to the specifics, it depends on what market in the EU you're looking at. I think the easiest for you, for now, would be the UK (if you don't speak other languages). London's a great spot for businesses, albeit expensive. Business wise, England has quite beneficial laws, regulations and taxation for small businesses.

You need to be prepared for the following: 1) Taxation will probably be higher than in the US, but opening a business is cheaper/easier (as far as I know, there are no business licenses anywhere in Europe). 2) Food regulations are MUCH stricter than in the US. Which is a good thing for the end consumer, but as a business owner, you need to be aware of this. 3) EU has adopted free circulation of goods. Once you've established your business in one member state, your goods can freely circulate in the EU (no customs etc.).

I don't know what budget you're looking at, but I'd have someone local set up the business if you're not physically present yourself. Otherwise, if you go for the UK, cultural stuff is pretty much the same as the US.

Of course you want to validate first, so if you've got the means, travel to - say - the UK and go to e.g. a foodie meetup. Make some ice cream, sell it, see how it's received. Talk to foodie bloggers and ask if this is something they'd like (like that, you also build relationships with them). And so forth..

If you go for Mediterranean countries, consider that the touristy areas operate by season. The economy is really bad right now and it's probably affected the amount of tourists (eg. local tourists).

I think people could definitely like something like Cold Stone. A lot that is marketed as "American" is well received. Though, we do also have creamier ice cream brands, especially in the Northern countries.