MilkShake Factory
MilkShake Factory is pausing franchise development to lock in distribution before expanding to any additional markets. The brand has opened 25+ locations, with 30+ scheduled to open next year. Their top priority is making sure new locations open successfully, with strong operational support and supply chain. We expect to reopen for new leads in mid-2026. ~ MilkShake Factory® is a premium dessert destination, serving up handspun milkshakes made with housemade ice cream, as well as heritage chocolates crafted by fourth-generation chocolatiers. Having been successful in the $1.5 trillion Foodservice & Hospitality industry for over a century, MilkShake Factory is presenting the sweetest opportunity in franchising! Beginning in 1914 as a family-run chocolate business, MilkShake Factory was spun off in 2003 as a way to bring more business throughout the year to the family’s chocolate shop. Elevated by fourth-generation chocolatiers, MilkShake Factory delivers handcrafted milkshakes and chocolates with a sophisticated yet simple operation with a culture committed to fostering a familial culture. Furthermore, MilkShake Factory has a refined and proven concept with proprietary house-made ice cream and top notch ingredients, demonstrating strong unit economics that can efficiently operate at scale, making it an enticing franchise opportunity.
Your franchise match score
Lodging & Hospitality
Brand highlights
- CEODana Edwards Manatos
- Headquarters106 E. Liberty Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104
- Year founded1914
- Year started franchising2023
- IndustryLodging & Hospitality
- Locations open14 (+6 last three years)
Statistics & metrics
- Investment range$510,492 - $772,548
- Franchise fee$60,000
- RoyaltyDuring your first year of operations, 6% of Adjusted Gross Sales generated by your Franchised Business over the preceding reporting period. During your second year of operations, the greater of: (i) 6% of Adjusted Gross Sales generated by your Franchised Business over the preceding reporting period; or (ii) $1,200 per month. During your third and each subsequent year of operations, the greater of: (i) 6% of Adjusted Gross Sales generated by your Franchised Business over the preceding reporting period; and (ii) $1,500/month (your "Royalty" or "Royalty Fee")
- Brand fund2
- Required Liquid Capital$200,000
- Required Net Worth$800,000
- Corporate AUV716,078.67
- Corporate NOI89,973.33
Brand superpowers
Fourth generation chocolatiers
Strong leadership experience
Quality Ingredients
Housemade Proprietary Ice Cream
Community Engagement
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Ideal candidate profile
Desire to scale / multi-unit ownership
Relationship Builder
No Industry Experience Required
Values Outstanding Customer Service
Community Centric
Sales or Management Experience
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FDD insights
The information shown below is derived from publicly available franchise disclosure documents (FDDs), including the version issued as of the issuance date listed below, and other third-party sources. This information may not reflect the most current FDD. It is provided for general informational purposes only and is not part of any franchise offering or sales process. Franchise Sidekick is not providing or furnishing an FDD in accordance with FTC requirements. You should obtain and review the most current official FDD directly from the franchisor before making any investment decision.
FDD Version Referenced - Issuance Date: 2025-04-30
| Category | Detail | View |
|---|---|---|
| The Franchisor & Executives | Learn about MilkShake Factory, its parent company, and the executive leadership team responsible for operating and supporting the franchise system. | |
| Initial Franchise Fee | Learn about the initial franchise fee required to join the MilkShake Factory franchise system and what that fee covers. | |
| Other Fees | Understand the ongoing and additional fees associated with owning a MilkShake Factory franchise, including royalties, marketing contributions, and other required payments. | |
| Estimated Initial Investment | Review the estimated total initial investment required to open a MilkShake Factory franchise, including startup costs and working capital estimates. | |
| Territory | Understand how franchise territories are defined, whether they are exclusive, and under what circumstances they may be modified by MilkShake Factory. | |
| Financial Performance Representations | Review any financial performance information MilkShake Factory provides, including revenue or earnings data, if disclosed. |
Location data
| Total locations | 14 |
| Franchise locations | 4 |
| Corporate locations | 10 |
System growth over time
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