MilkShake Factory to Open Store in Downtown Orlando

MilkShake Factory, the neighborhood dessert destination known for its handspun milkshakes and small-batch, premium chocolates, is officially making its Orlando debut with the opening of its first Central Florida location. The new store, located at 595 West Church St., Suite K, will open on Saturday, July 25, bringing the brand’s signature handcrafted desserts to the heart of Downtown Orlando.

To celebrate, the Downtown Orlando MilkShake Factory will host a grand opening event on July 25 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., featuring a buy one, get one free offer on shakes, sundaes and molten cups, free MilkShake Factory T-shirts for the first 100 customers, a gift basket for the first guest in line, a DJ to kick off the celebration and plenty of festive energy throughout the afternoon.

The Downtown Orlando MilkShake Factory is owned and operated by father-son franchise partners Capt*.* Miller Johnson III and Miller Johnson IV, who are introducing the brand to Central Florida as part of a three-store development agreement.

Capt*.* Johnson, a U.S. Air Force veteran and a 30-year airline captain with UPS, first discovered the brand while traveling regularly to Pittsburgh for work, where the downtown location quickly became a favorite stop. After sharing the experience with his son during one of their visits to the city, the pair was inspired by MilkShake Factory’s family legacy, premium desserts and commitment to quality. They knew they wanted to bring that same experience home to Orlando.

Located in Downtown Orlando’s historic Parramore District, the new MilkShake Factory sits between two of the city’s biggest entertainment destinations, home to the Orlando Magic and Orlando City Soccer Club. With year-round sporting events, concerts and community gatherings, the location offers a convenient stop for families, visitors and locals looking to enjoy a handcrafted dessert before or after the action.

As Downtown Orlando continues to evolve, the Johnson family saw an opportunity to introduce MilkShake Factory in one of the city’s fastest-growing entertainment districts while laying the foundation for the brand’s future expansion across Central Florida.

“Opening the very first MilkShake Factory in Orlando is incredibly exciting for our family,” said MJ (Miller Johnson IV). “My father served our country as an Air Force officer during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and has spent the past 30 years as an airline captain with UPS. Those experiences helped shape our family’s values of service, excellence, commitment, and community involvement.

Whether guests are heading to a game, exploring downtown, or simply looking for a great dessert, we’re excited to become part of the community, create a place where families and friends can make lasting memories, and share smiles one shake at a time.”

MilkShake Factory’s menu features an assortment of indulgent milkshake flavors, including fan favorites like Chocolate Dipped Strawberry and Campfire S’mores, alongside handcrafted sundaes, molten chocolate cups and housemade chocolate treats. Every item is made with MilkShake Factory’s signature ice cream, created fresh in-store daily using the Edwards family’s exclusive recipe.

MilkShake Factory is more than just a dessert shop; it is a brand built on over a century of family tradition and chocolate-making expertise. Founded in 1914, the company began as a small soda fountain and chocolate shop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where generations of chocolatiers crafted premium confections using time-honored techniques and the finest ingredients. What started as a local sweet shop has grown into a beloved dessert destination, seamlessly blending classic craftsmanship with modern indulgences.

Today, MilkShake Factory stays true to its roots in chocolate and its heritage as a family-founded brand while bringing joy to new communities across the country through its growing franchise program.