2014
16
$254,000
$32,500
$557,000
No
Millie's® is a trailblazer in the super premium ice cream and coffee franchise sector, offering a delectable blend of handcrafted ice creams, dairy-free gelatos, and artisan coffees. Founded in 2014 by Chad and Lauren Townsend, Millie's® began as a small kitchen-counter operation and has since blossomed into a beloved regional brand known for its rich, creamy, and always made-from-scratch products. The brand's commitment to quality and community engagement has garnered a loyal customer base and a growing presence across the United States.
With a focus on creating memorable moments, Millie's® provides a vibrant and fun atmosphere that resonates with guests of all ages. The franchise offers multiple business models, including brick-and-mortar shops, ice cream trucks, and specialty kiosks, allowing entrepreneurs to choose the format that best suits their market and investment capacity.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
First-Mover Advantage: Millie's® is a pioneer in the super premium ice cream and coffee franchise segment, setting the standard for quality and customer experience.
Diverse Revenue Streams: The brand's three proven business models—scoop shops, ice cream trucks, and specialty kiosks—offer flexibility and scalability to franchisees.
Community-Centric Brand: Millie's® emphasizes local engagement, supporting farmers and artisan makers, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and fun.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support in operations, marketing, and business development, ensuring long-term success.
Strong Market Presence: With a growing number of units and a solid customer base, Millie's® offers a proven business model with a track record of success.
Established Year: 2014
Founders: Chad and Lauren Townsend
Franchise Units: 16 units across the United States
Ownership: Privately owned and operated
Market Presence: Active in multiple states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Florida
Industry Category: Food & Beverage – Ice Cream and Coffee
Company History: From a humble start in 2014, Millie's® has expanded into a regional favorite, known for its commitment to quality and community.
Manufacturing: Products are handcrafted in a state-of-the-art, company-owned facility, ensuring consistency and quality control.
Millie’s® is committed to helping its franchisees succeed by offering comprehensive pre-launch, operational, marketing, and ongoing support. The support system is structured to guide franchisees from the very beginning and throughout the lifecycle of their business.
Before opening, Millie’s® assists franchisees in critical startup tasks, ensuring a smooth launch:
Site Selection: Experts help identify high-traffic, profitable locations suitable for your target market.
Lease Negotiation & Store Design: Guidance on negotiating lease terms and designing a store layout that maximizes efficiency and enhances customer experience.
Construction & Setup Assistance: Support with contractor selection, interior setup, and equipment installation.
Grand Opening Planning: Marketing and event support for a strong launch to attract immediate customer attention.
Millie’s® ensures franchisees and their staff are fully trained to run the business efficiently:
Hands-On Training: Comprehensive in-store and/or corporate training covering product preparation, recipes, and presentation standards.
Operations Management: Training in inventory management, scheduling, customer service, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Point-of-Sale & Technology Training: Guidance on POS systems, inventory tracking software, and digital ordering platforms.
Safety & Compliance: Training on health, safety, and sanitation standards to maintain quality and legal compliance.
Millie’s® franchisees receive support to build brand awareness and attract customers:
Branding & Promotional Materials: Access to professionally designed logos, signage, and in-store promotional displays.
Digital Marketing: Guidance on social media campaigns, SEO, email marketing, and local online advertising.
Local Marketing Strategies: Advice for hosting community events, participating in fairs, and collaborations to increase local visibility.
Franchisees continue to receive guidance and resources to sustain and grow their business:
Field Support Visits: Regular visits from corporate staff to review operations, provide feedback, and assist with problem-solving.
Continuous Education: Access to updated training programs on new products, trends, and operational improvements.
Performance Monitoring: Tools and analytics to track sales, customer feedback, and operational efficiency.
Franchisee Network: Connection to a community of other Millie’s® franchisees for peer advice, sharing best practices, and collaboration.
Proprietary software for POS, inventory, and customer relationship management.
Templates for marketing campaigns and seasonal promotions.
Guidelines for upselling, merchandising, and maximizing profitability.
Millie’s® is looking for motivated, passionate entrepreneurs who are committed to delivering high-quality ice cream, gelato, and coffee experiences while growing a successful business. The ideal franchisee possesses a combination of personal traits, business experience, financial capability, and market understanding.
Experience in Retail or Food Service: Franchisees with prior experience in customer-focused industries, hospitality, or retail management are highly suitable.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Ability to make independent decisions, lead a team, and take ownership of day-to-day operations.
Operational Skills: Understanding of inventory management, scheduling, cash flow monitoring, and basic accounting is helpful.
Love for the Brand: A genuine passion for ice cream, coffee, and delivering enjoyable experiences to customers.
Customer-Focused Mindset: Enjoys interacting with people and providing excellent service.
Adaptable & Resilient: Willingness to learn, adapt to market changes, and overcome challenges.
Community-Oriented: Interested in engaging with the local community and building a loyal customer base.
Minimum Investment: Ability to invest according to the chosen business model (e.g., brick-and-mortar, kiosk, or ice cream truck).
Net Worth Requirement: Typically around $350,000, with liquid cash available of at least $75,000.
Access to Working Capital: Ensures smooth operation and covers initial expenses such as inventory, staff, and marketing.
Geographic Focus: Ideal franchisees are interested in establishing units in targeted markets, particularly in the Eastern United States (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida).
Market Awareness: Understanding local demographics, foot traffic patterns, and competitive landscape is an advantage.
Leadership Skills: Ability to hire, train, and motivate staff to maintain the brand’s high standards.
Entrepreneurial Drive: Goal-oriented, motivated to grow the franchise, and open to learning from corporate guidance.
Strong Work Ethic: Committed to working alongside the team, especially in the critical first years of operation.
Positive Attitude: Enthusiasm and optimism, which reflect in customer experience and team morale.
| Item | Brick & Mortar Shop | Ice Cream Truck | Specialty Kiosk | Notes / Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $254,000 – $557,000 | $60,000 – $87,000 | $59,000 – $259,000 | Includes build-out, equipment, signage, and working capital |
| Franchise Fee | $32,500 | $32,500 | $32,500 | One-time fee for brand license & support |
| Minimum Cash on Hand | $75,000 | $75,000 | $75,000 | Liquid assets required for startup costs |
| Net Worth Requirement | $350,000 | $350,000 | $350,000 | Total assets needed to qualify |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | $150,000 – $400,000 | $25,000 – $50,000 | $20,000 – $120,000 | Store design, equipment, fit-out |
| Marketing Budget | $10,000 – $20,000 | $5,000 – $10,000 | $5,000 – $15,000 | Local marketing & promotions |
| Working Capital | $30,000 – $50,000 | $10,000 – $20,000 | $10,000 – $25,000 | Initial operational costs, payroll, inventory |
| Royalty Fees | Available on request | Available on request | Available on request | % of gross revenue or fixed fee |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location; 18–24 months | Varies; 18–24 months | Varies; 18–24 months | Break-even depends on sales & traffic |
| Potential Revenue Streams | In-store sales, catering, events | Mobile sales, catering | Kiosk sales, seasonal events | Multiple streams for growth |
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