Milkshake Factory is preparing to roll out its initial wave of Georgia locations this summer. In addition to a spot heading to Milton, a second location for the Pittsburgh-based franchise is heading to a 1,400-square-foot space at 850 Peachtree Parkway in Cumming.
Franchise owner Rick Strom began exploring franchise opportunities in 2023. As a Pittsburgh native and a former Pittsburgh Steelers player, he found a connection with Milkshake Factory.
“We thought it was a great concept and that it would be a really fun business to get involved with. We thought highly of the people running it, and we loved that it was new,” Strom told What Now Atlanta. “The story was compelling, and the product was really impressive.”
This will be Strom’s first venture into the world of franchising, and he views this franchise as the ideal introduction to the food and beverage space. The brand began in 1914 as a small soda fountain and chocolate shop. Milkshake Factory currently has 15 stores open in other markets across the country.
“Those stores have been really well-received,” Strom said. “The reviews have been outstanding, so it’s a new concept that’s been doing very well in various parts of the U.S.”“Those stores have been really well-received. The reviews have been outstanding, so it’s a new concept that’s been doing very well in various parts of the U.S.”
The spot in Cumming is currently under construction. Customers can expect to see the traditional offerings, including a variety of milkshakes, such as Chocolate Dipped Strawberry, Campfire S’mores and Cookies & Cream, with some dairy-free options as well. Other offerings include chocolate-based treats like Molten Chocolate Cups, chocolate barks and the Dubai-Style Chocolate Bar. Strom is hoping the location will be fully up and running by September.
Eventually, Strom would like to expand to more locations with the brand, working in markets like Suwanee, Dawsonville and Cumming.
“It’s a very joyful place. It should be a place that is just a pleasant place to come to for all ages,” he said. “I think the appeal of milkshakes is universal, and I think there is a special quality about the milkshakes we are able to produce at the Milkshake Factory that will draw a wide variety of people.”
