MilkShake Factory

This?National Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the amazing female franchisees of?MilkShake Factory! Digna Forbes, Kim Richards, Anna Sheehan, and Tracy Carter come from different backgrounds — marketing, healthcare, nonprofits, and business strategy — but they all share a passion for great desserts and strong communities. https://lnkd.in/eveGYhDr #nationalwomenshistorymonth #womeninfranchising #franchisnews Franworth, Brandi Kloostra, Bryan Farida, Digna Marie Forbes, MPH,

???This year, for International Women's Day and Women's History month, we are highlighting 21 women leading the fast casual industry. Today, we are delighted to celebrate Dana Edwards Manatos of MilkShake Factory! Our very own Cherryh Cansler sat down with Dana for a mini-interview, and this is what she told us: 1. What was your very first job, and how old were you? What did you learn from it? My first job was in elementary school, helping out at the factory. But when I think about my first real job, it was working in our retail store — which ultimately evolved into the MilkShake Factory. I remember selling ice cream in the back of the shop and constantly thinking about how we could generate more sales. Between high school and college, I started thinking about ways to make the business thrive year-round. Our chocolate sales were booming during the holidays, but how could we sustain that momentum in the off-season? That's when I began developing milkshake recipes. I remember printing out a menu of over 50 milkshakes and testing all the flavors, creating syrups, sauces and purees, and presenting them to my parents. That summer, we did so much business with milkshakes that it solidified our path forward. It was an early lesson in recognizing opportunities for growth and innovation — MilkShake Factory was born from that mindset. 2. DEI policies are facing backlash and cuts. What do you think about this? Is it still important to you to ensure different voices are heard? Why? When you foster an environment that values passion, skill, and enthusiasm, you naturally create a team of diverse individuals who uplift and learn from each other. Our business has thrived for over a century because of the people behind it — people who bring their own experiences, ideas, and energy to the table. Ensuring different voices are heard isn't just important to us — it's how we've always grown, innovated, and stayed true to who we are. 3. What do you love about the restaurant industry? What do you wish you could change? I love the hospitality side of the restaurant industry — connecting with people, creating memorable experiences and bringing joy through food. But I do think we've lost some of that human connection in the industry as a whole. With the rise of quick-service models, we've shifted away from real hospitality, where guests are truly welcomed rather than just served. I'd love to see the industry refocus on genuine hospitality — how do we make guests feel special? How do we create experiences rather than just transactions? Read more: https://lnkd.in/g7-XdpFw

?? NEW ITEM ALERT! ?? Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with our NEW Molten Cups?at the MilkShake Factory! Fresh fruit covered in our signature milk chocolate – a match made in dessert heaven. ??????Strawberries & Cream and Peanut Butter Banana Hurry in and treat yourself today – your taste buds will thank you! ??

Our Founder is a 4th generation chocolatier. On the left is her Dad (3rd generation chocolatier) making candy w Mr. Rogers. We're not some start up. We've been making world class milkshakes and chocolates for over 100 years.

We hear you Pittsburgh Penguins fans....

We hear you Pittsburgh Penguins fans....

Our first franchise location in Pleasant Grove, UT is officially open! ??

Thanks FranchiseWire for featuring our Founder Dana Edwards Manatos!

We find this satisfying.

Coming soon graphics up in Ann Arbor, MI! Shoutout to our Durham, NC franchisees Kindall Palmer and Alex Chandler for helping our President Dan Reese (Franchisee of this store) with the install.