1954
10
$200,000
Inquire
$800,000
No
B&G Milkyway stands as a cherished institution in the American ice cream landscape, offering a nostalgic yet vibrant franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs across the USA.With its roots tracing back to 1954 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, B&G Milkyway has evolved from a humble drive-in into a beloved regional brand known for its exceptional soft-serve ice cream, footlong chili dogs, and a welcoming atmosphere.The franchise model emphasizes community engagement, quality service, and a commitment to maintaining the brand's rich heritage.
Proven Track Record: Established in 1954, B&G Milkyway has decades of operational success, with its first franchise opening in 2001.
Community-Centric Brand: Each location is locally owned and operated, fostering strong community ties and customer loyalty.
Diverse Menu Offerings: The menu features a range of items, from classic ice cream treats to hearty meals, catering to a broad customer base.
Seasonal Business Model: Operating primarily during the warmer months allows for a focused business cycle and potential for high seasonal returns.
Supportive Franchise Network: Franchisees benefit from comprehensive training, marketing support, and a collaborative network of fellow operators.
Established Year:
B&G Milkyway was founded in 1954 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. What began as a single drive-in quickly became a beloved local landmark due to its friendly service, classic American menu, and high-quality ice cream offerings.
Founders and Ownership:
The original founder, Ray Starks, started the brand with a focus on community-centered dining. Over the years, ownership passed through the hands of Bertha and Guy Higgins, then Jerry and Pat Bruget, and is now managed by Bruce and Pam Bettmeng. Under their leadership, B&G Milkyway has preserved its classic charm while modernizing operations and expanding franchise opportunities.
Franchise Units:
As of 2025, B&G Milkyway operates 10 locations primarily in South Dakota, including Sioux Falls, Brandon, and Mitchell. Each location is individually owned and operated, creating strong ties with the local community.
Brand Journey and Market Presence:
The journey of B&G Milkyway reflects a careful balance of tradition and innovation. The brand’s soft-serve ice cream, footlong chili dogs, and classic diner menu have attracted generations of loyal customers. With a growing focus on franchising, B&G Milkyway aims to expand beyond South Dakota into neighboring states, leveraging its reputation for high-quality service and community engagement.
Industry Category:
B&G Milkyway falls under the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, specializing in ice cream, fast food, and casual dining. Its seasonal business model ensures concentrated operations during high-demand months, allowing franchisees to maximize revenue.
Additional Insights:
Community Focus: Every franchise location emphasizes local involvement, from sponsoring events to hosting family-friendly activities.
Brand Heritage: The B&G Milkyway name carries decades of recognition, which can reduce marketing costs and accelerate customer adoption for new franchisees.
Expansion Opportunity: With a relatively small number of existing units, the brand offers significant growth potential in untapped regional markets.
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance in site selection, lease negotiation, and store design tailored to the B&G Milkyway brand.
Operational Training: Comprehensive training covering daily operations, inventory management, staff training, and customer service excellence.
Marketing Support: Access to branded marketing materials, promotional strategies, and seasonal campaigns to drive traffic and sales.
Ongoing Assistance: Regular site visits, performance evaluations, and continuous support to ensure franchisee success.
Community Engagement: Guidance on local community involvement and events to strengthen brand presence and customer relationships.
The success of a B&G Milkyway franchise depends not just on capital investment but on the passion, skills, and mindset of the franchisee. The ideal investor possesses the following attributes:
Franchisees should have a strong desire to own and operate a business, taking responsibility for its growth and performance.
They should enjoy working in a customer-focused environment, where creating positive experiences is a daily priority.
Prior experience in restaurant operations, retail management, or customer service is highly advantageous.
Ability to hire, train, and lead a team effectively, ensuring consistency in service and product quality.
B&G Milkyway thrives on local engagement. Franchisees should be willing to actively participate in community events, sponsor local activities, and cultivate strong neighborhood relationships.
A focus on building loyal, repeat customers is essential to long-term success.
Prospective franchisees should have the financial capacity to meet the total investment range of $200,000 to $800,000, depending on location and infrastructure.
Ability to maintain working capital to cover initial operational costs and sustain the business during the seasonal off-peak period.
A genuine interest in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, particularly ice cream, fast food, and family dining.
Commitment to maintaining high standards of hygiene, customer service, and food quality.
Ideal candidates are interested in suburban or regional markets where community engagement is strong, and foot traffic is predictable.
Preference for markets with a family-oriented demographic, aligning with B&G Milkyway’s brand identity.
Franchisees should be motivated to expand their business within the region and potentially open multiple units over time.
Openness to learning, adapting, and implementing best practices shared by the franchisor network.
| Financial Component | Estimated Range / Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Investment Required | $200,000 (for smaller locations or leased property) |
| Total Investment Required | $200,000 – $800,000 (depending on location, size, and infrastructure) |
| Franchise Fee | Provided upon inquiry (covers brand licensing and franchise rights) |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out | Variable, includes kitchen equipment, signage, seating, décor, and store setup |
| Marketing Budget | Suggested allocation for local promotions, grand opening, social media, and seasonal campaigns |
| Working Capital | Sufficient to cover initial operating expenses, staff wages, utilities, and inventory |
| Royalty Fees | Percentage of gross sales (details provided upon inquiry) |
| Expected ROI | Strong seasonal returns; depends on location, operations, and marketing efficiency |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 12–18 months depending on store performance |
| Revenue Streams | Ice cream sales, fast food menu, catering/events, merchandise sales |
