Ann Arbor, Mich. — MilkShake Factory, a Franworth portfolio brand and beloved dessert destination, has reached a milestone by awarding its 100th franchise unit on the first anniversary of its franchising journey.
MilkShake Factory, a fourth-generation family business, was built on a legacy of quality. The journey began in 1914 when Charlie and Orania opened their first chocolate shop and soda fountain in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood. More than a century from its early soda fountain days, the company was renamed “MilkShake Factory” and by 2016, had established itself as the go-to milkshake and chocolate destination in the region serving up a diverse range of products including limited-time flavors, dairy-free options and small batch chocolate barks. In 2023, MilkShake Factory partnered with Franworth, a premier franchisor for emerging brands, to expand its legacy beyond the Pittsburgh metro. In the first year of franchising, MilkShake Factory has already awarded 100 franchise units in over 15 states.
“Hard work and serving premium products were ingrained in us since we were born,” says Dana Edwards Manatos, founder and CEO of MilkShake Factory. “All four generations have worked together, and because of what my great-grandmother taught us through the generations, MilkShake Factory can open the door for hundreds of small business owners across the country.”
Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., Franworth builds, incubates and grows franchise brands. Its portfolio includes MilkShake Factory®, sugaringLA®, MosquitoNix®, Garage Kings®, and HealthSource America’s Chiropractor®, and Degree Wellness®. For more information, visit www.franworth.com.
SOURCE: Franworth