KEY FRANCHISE STATS
?
?
?
?
$655,000
The MilkShake Factory is a premium dessert franchise offering handcrafted milkshakes and gourmet chocolates. Founded in 1914 by Greek immigrants Charlie and Orania in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the business began as a small soda fountain and chocolate shop.
In 2003, the fourth generation of the family rebranded it as the MilkShake Factory, and in 2023, the company officially began franchising.
Now headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the MilkShake Factory features a menu of signature milkshakes made with housemade ice cream, decadent sundaes, dairy-free options, and artisanal chocolates.
The brand sets itself apart with century-old family recipes, top-tier ingredients, and a focus on operational simplicity for franchisees.
Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Create a free account to access this table and more.
For more information see our plans here.
Upgrade to Pro to access and download this FDD.
For more information, see our plans here.
The Milkshake Factory offers a robust training program designed to prepare franchisees and their teams for effective operation of the business. The training is composed of several structured components, each addressing different aspects of running a franchise unit.
Milkshake Factory provides territory protection to its franchisees through a designated area called the “Designated Territory.” Once a franchisee secures an approved location, the franchisor defines a surrounding geographic area within which it agrees not to open or authorize another shop using its system and marks, as long as the franchisee remains in compliance.
This area is specified in the franchise agreement and typically includes a two-mile radius or a defined population zone.
However, the protection is limited. The franchisee does not receive an exclusive territory and may face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or different distribution channels under other brands.
?
?
Below are some of
Milkshake Factory
key competitors in the
Ice Cream
sector.
4
$60,000
$510,000
$773,000
n.a.
$655,000
$xxx,xxx
69.1%
n.a.
14.3%
n.a.
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is an artisan ice-cream franchise offering creatively flavored pints, scoops, and ice cream sandwiches, serving adventurous dessert lovers, and known for premium ingredients, chef-crafted recipes, and scoop shops that feel bright, welcoming, and community-focused.
?
?
Morelia Gourmet Paletas is an experiential dessert franchise offering handcrafted ice cream paletas, serving guests seeking premium, customizable treats, and known for its dip-and-top bar, natural ingredients, and vibrant, Instagram-friendly shops that turn popsicles into interactive desserts.
?
?
Dumont Creamery and Café is a dessert café franchise concept offering ice cream, coffee, milk tea, and sweets, serving families and neighborhood visitors, and known for playful themes, small-batch scoops, and a relaxed hangout vibe in walkable districts.
?
?
Fosters Freeze is a quick-service restaurant franchise offering burgers, sandwiches, and soft-serve desserts, serving families and everyday diners, and known for California heritage, nostalgic drive-in vibes, and a menu of classic comfort food and signature soft-serve treats enjoyed across generations.
?
?
The Dolly Llama is a dessert franchise offering Belgian waffles, waffle cones, and artisan ice cream, serving families, students, and social media–savvy dessert lovers, and known for over-the-top creations, Instagram-ready presentation, and a fun, modern café environment.
?
?
I Scream Gelato is a gelato-and-dessert franchise offering artisan gelato, sorbets and Italian-style sweets, serving families and dessert fans, and known for handcrafted product, high-quality ingredients and upscale café ambience.
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
.png)
