Interior of a store from a chocolate, dessert, and ice cream franchise, featuring a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.

Own a Milkshake Factory Dessert Franchise

Three delicious milkshakes from a dessert franchise, showcasing a variety of flavors and toppings.
A tempting selection of three milkshakes from a dessert franchise, highlighting the range of flavors and indulgent toppings.

In 1914, first-generation Greek immigrants and chocolatiers Charlie and Orania founded their first chocolate shop and soda fountain in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood. At the time, home refrigeration was a luxury few could afford, so to savor the taste of ice cream, folks needed to take an excursion to a soda fountain. The concept of a milkshake was a cherished treat for the whole family.

In 2003, under the fourth-generation chocolatier, Dana Edwards Manatos, the family expanded the brand, transforming it into a premier frozen dessert franchise under the brand name “MilkShake Factory.” In 2023, the brand entered the franchise market, quickly selling franchise units and proving the value of the concept.

Black and white photo of the founders of a milkshake factory, reflecting the origins and history of the franchise.
This vintage photo captures the original founders, Charlie and Orania, in their first chocolate shop, paving the way for today’s beloved dessert franchise.
Milkshake with visible ingredients displayed, including fresh fruits, ice cream, and toppings.
A signature milkshake featuring fresh strawberries, and premium chocolates.

MilkShake Factory franchises drive continued consumer interest in the brand and build loyal customers by offering:

  • Limited-time flavors
  • Signature milkshakes made with housemade ice cream
  • Premium ingredients including fresh fruit and high-quality add-ins
  • Dairy-free options
  • “Not shakes” AKA gourmet sundaes and root beer floats
  • Assorted premium chocolates – available in-store and online

According to market research company Mordor Intelligence, the quick-service restaurant market is expected to grow from $460.17 billion in 2024 to more than $660 billion in 2029. Franchises focused on ice cream and dessert are a robust subcategory of the quick-service restaurant industry.

Ice cream, once regarded as a summertime-only treat, is now in high demand year-round. Whether families are taking themselves out for a “little treat” or engaging in an “eatertainment” opportunity modern consumers are primed for the dessert franchise experience.

Two friends enjoying gourmet milkshakes at a dessert franchise, smiling and having a great time.
Two friends smiling and enjoying milkshakes outside a MilkShake Factory® location.
Two young boys enjoying milkshakes at a MilkShake Factory location.
Two boys sipping on milkshakes at a MilkShake Factory® location.

Built on a foundation of quality and innovation and backed by time-honored family traditions, the MilkShake Factory is a premier option among dessert franchise opportunities.

Offering a wide variety of milkshakes from dairy and gluten-free options to premium chocolates, the MilkShake Factory offers a diverse range of products – there’s something for everyone at the MilkShake Factory.

We’re equally focused on our franchisees as we are on our customers.

As a Beloved Brand, MilkShake Factory franchisees benefit from:

A person enjoying gourmet milkshakes at a dessert franchise, highlighting a fun and family-friendly atmosphere.
  • A timeless dessert business with a simple operation and refined model: We’ll connect you with existing franchisees to share their experiences as an owner.
  • Training in streamlined business processes, including stock purchase, onboarding, employee training, and operational processes required of successful milkshake franchises.
  • Heritage recipes and techniques that have been crafted since 1914.
A milkshake being prepare with ingredients in a blender, showcasing the process of creating a delicious treat.
  • Certified Shaker and Chocolatier Training Programs for exceptional milkshake and chocolate crafting.
  • Exclusive, handcrafted recipes passed down through generations.
  • Access the MilkShake Factory’s cutting-edge milkshake production system.
  • A custom, real-time reporting system, Shake Dash, for accurate and timely data to optimize location performance.
Three individuals posing together at a milkshake franchise, highlighting the team or customer experience.
  • Coaching and mentoring from the MilkShake Factory franchise home office and Franworth team, bringing over 450 years of franchising experience.
  • Marketing startup support and ongoing local marketing guidance.
  • Technical training, operations training, and ongoing support.

Successful MilkShake Factory franchisees have a minimum net worth of $700K, including $200K in liquid assets. Costs associated with owning and operating a MilkShake Factory include owning or renting a desirable location within your territory, property renovations, insurance, product, local marketing, payroll, and more. Learn more about the cost of opening and operating an ice cream and chocolate franchise.

A growing sector, a timeless business model, and the best desserts make the MilkShake Factory a winning dessert franchise opportunity for new and seasoned entrepreneurs.

Whether you’re looking to be your own boss, grow your portfolio, take advantage of a new market in your community, or build a business that you can pass down to your children – no matter the motivation – now is the time to take a dip in the dessert franchise world.

MilkShake Factory is currently expanding nationwide.

Submit the inquiry form below to learn more about our milkshake company opportunity. Once we’ve gotten to know each other, we’ll determine if our partnership is a good pairing, like strawberries and chocolate!

Team members preparing milkshakes behind the counter at a MilkShake Factory location.
MilkShake Factory® team members preparing signature milkshakes behind the counter.

Interior of a MilkShake Factory store, featuring modern decor and a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
Interior of a MilkShake Factory® franchise, showcasing its modern design and inviting atmosphere.

Who is the Right Fit for a MilkShake Factory Franchise?

As a franchisee, you’ll play an essential role in delivering top-tier desserts and creating unforgettable experiences for your customers. Success in this position hinges on your passion for making a positive difference in your community and your willingness to take full ownership of your business. Our franchisees are intelligent, ambitious, and have a keen understanding of what it takes to thrive in the business world. They possess the ability to spot opportunities and possess a strategic mindset that empowers them to make well-informed decisions driving business growth. If you possess sharp business acumen and a relentless drive to excel, we’re eager to connect with you.

MilkShake Factory is a Franworth Beloved Brand

What does being a Franworth Beloved Brand mean?

Working with the Franworth portfolio of brands means working with an award-winning team recognized with franchising’s highest honors for successful scaling of multiple brands through the franchising model. Our franchising experts have a combined experience of over 450 years in the industry. We put it to work on mentorship, education, and best-in-class support, allowing us to build, incubate, and grow franchise brands. The Franworth brand portfolio includes MilkShake Factory®, sugaringLA®, MosquitoNix®, Garage Kings®, HealthSource America’s Chiropractor®, and Degree Wellness®.

Using Training and Support to Bridge the Opportunity Gap

We put our skills to work for franchisees, preparing them for success with ongoing support from our national franchise team. Our experts provide training and support for essential skills, customer service, and hands-on business practices.

Group of professionals discussing dessert franchise opportunities