Milkshake Factory is a dessert franchise offering gourmet milkshakes and chocolate products. Franchisees benefit from a well-established brand, marketing support, and a business model that focuses on delivering high-quality treats.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
4
+
n.a.
n.a.
Franchise fee
?
$60,000
Investment
?
$510,000 - $773,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$655,000
+
n.a.
n.a.
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TheMilkShake Factoryis 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.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Milkshake Factory franchise is
$510,000 - $773,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$60,000
Initial Training Fee
$8,500
Training – Costs and Expenses
$6,345 to $9,220
Lease – Security Deposit
$3,500 to $8,500
Architectural and Design Services
$21,500 to $24,000
Real Estate and Construction Management Services
$20,000
Leasehold Improvements
$155,620 to $324,364
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (FFE)
$163,328 to $182,997
Signage (exterior)
$4,917 to $10,944
Initial Inventory (pre-opening)
$14,976 to $22,604
Computer System and IT Equipment (and any initial Required Software fees)
$14,000 to $20,530
Interior Signage
$8,500 to $15,500
Opening Marketing Spend
$11,913 to $16,500
Professional Fees
$1,258 to $2,890
Business Permits and Licensing
$635 to $4,499
Insurance – Deposit and 3 Months of Premiums
$500 to $1,500
Additional Funds – 3 Months
$15,000 to $40,000
TOTAL
$510,492 to $772,548
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$60,000
Initial Training Fee
$8,500
Training – Costs and Expenses
$6,345 to $9,220
Lease – Security Deposit
$3,500 to $8,500
Architectural and Design Services
$21,500 to $24,000
Real Estate and Construction Management Services
$20,000
Leasehold Improvements
$155,620 to $324,364
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (FFE)
$163,328 to $182,997
Signage (exterior)
$4,917 to $10,944
Initial Inventory (pre-opening)
$14,976 to $22,604
Computer System and IT Equipment (and any initial Required Software fees)
$14,000 to $20,530
Interior Signage
$8,500 to $15,500
Opening Marketing Spend
$11,913 to $16,500
Professional Fees
$1,258 to $2,890
Business Permits and Licensing
$635 to $4,499
Insurance – Deposit and 3 Months of Premiums
$500 to $1,500
Additional Funds – 3 Months
$15,000 to $40,000
TOTAL
$510,492 to $772,548
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Milkshake Factory's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Milkshake Factory had 14 total units in 2025, of which 4 were franchised-owned and 10 company-owned.
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.
Initial Training Program This mandatory program consists of three main components: Technical Training, Business Training, and On-Site Pre-Opening Support. Technical Training spans six days and focuses on operational skills, while Business Training lasts three days and covers management and business fundamentals. These sessions are conducted either in Pittsburgh or Ann Arbor, or virtually, and must be completed by the Franchisee Owner Operator and their Assistant General Manager.
On-Site Pre-Opening Support Up to five days of in-person guidance are provided at the franchise location by a member of the franchisor’s training team. This includes staff orientation and support during the initial setup and opening phase.
Territory Protection
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.
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