Established
2014
Franchise Units
16
Minimum Investment
$254,000
Franchise Fee
$32,500
Total Investment Range
$557,000
Home Based
No
Description
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?
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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.
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Diverse Revenue Streams: The brand's three proven business models—scoop shops, ice cream trucks, and specialty kiosks—offer flexibility and scalability to franchisees.
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Community-Centric Brand: Millie's® emphasizes local engagement, supporting farmers and artisan makers, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and fun.
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Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support in operations, marketing, and business development, ensuring long-term success.
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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.
Background
Established Year: 2014
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Founders: Chad and Lauren Townsend
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Franchise Units: 16 units across the United States
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Ownership: Privately owned and operated
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Market Presence: Active in multiple states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Florida
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Industry Category: Food & Beverage – Ice Cream and Coffee
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Company History: From a humble start in 2014, Millie's® has expanded into a regional favorite, known for its commitment to quality and community.
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Manufacturing: Products are handcrafted in a state-of-the-art, company-owned facility, ensuring consistency and quality control.
Support Training
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.
1. Pre-Launch Support
Before opening, Millie’s® assists franchisees in critical startup tasks, ensuring a smooth launch:
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Site Selection: Experts help identify high-traffic, profitable locations suitable for your target market.
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Lease Negotiation & Store Design: Guidance on negotiating lease terms and designing a store layout that maximizes efficiency and enhances customer experience.
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Construction & Setup Assistance: Support with contractor selection, interior setup, and equipment installation.
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Grand Opening Planning: Marketing and event support for a strong launch to attract immediate customer attention.
2. Initial & Operational Training
Millie’s® ensures franchisees and their staff are fully trained to run the business efficiently:
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Hands-On Training: Comprehensive in-store and/or corporate training covering product preparation, recipes, and presentation standards.
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Operations Management: Training in inventory management, scheduling, customer service, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
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Point-of-Sale & Technology Training: Guidance on POS systems, inventory tracking software, and digital ordering platforms.
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Safety & Compliance: Training on health, safety, and sanitation standards to maintain quality and legal compliance.
3. Marketing Support
Millie’s® franchisees receive support to build brand awareness and attract customers:
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Branding & Promotional Materials: Access to professionally designed logos, signage, and in-store promotional displays.
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Digital Marketing: Guidance on social media campaigns, SEO, email marketing, and local online advertising.
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Local Marketing Strategies: Advice for hosting community events, participating in fairs, and collaborations to increase local visibility.
4. Ongoing Support
Franchisees continue to receive guidance and resources to sustain and grow their business:
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Field Support Visits: Regular visits from corporate staff to review operations, provide feedback, and assist with problem-solving.
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Continuous Education: Access to updated training programs on new products, trends, and operational improvements.
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Performance Monitoring: Tools and analytics to track sales, customer feedback, and operational efficiency.
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Franchisee Network: Connection to a community of other Millie’s® franchisees for peer advice, sharing best practices, and collaboration.
5. Additional Tools & Resources
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Proprietary software for POS, inventory, and customer relationship management.
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Templates for marketing campaigns and seasonal promotions.
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Guidelines for upselling, merchandising, and maximizing profitability.
Ideal Candidate
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.
1. Business & Professional Background
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Experience in Retail or Food Service: Franchisees with prior experience in customer-focused industries, hospitality, or retail management are highly suitable.
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Entrepreneurial Spirit: Ability to make independent decisions, lead a team, and take ownership of day-to-day operations.
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Operational Skills: Understanding of inventory management, scheduling, cash flow monitoring, and basic accounting is helpful.
2. Passion & Personal Traits
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Love for the Brand: A genuine passion for ice cream, coffee, and delivering enjoyable experiences to customers.
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Customer-Focused Mindset: Enjoys interacting with people and providing excellent service.
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Adaptable & Resilient: Willingness to learn, adapt to market changes, and overcome challenges.
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Community-Oriented: Interested in engaging with the local community and building a loyal customer base.
3. Financial Capability
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Minimum Investment: Ability to invest according to the chosen business model (e.g., brick-and-mortar, kiosk, or ice cream truck).
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Net Worth Requirement: Typically around $350,000, with liquid cash available of at least $75,000.
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Access to Working Capital: Ensures smooth operation and covers initial expenses such as inventory, staff, and marketing.
4. Location & Market Interest
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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).
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Market Awareness: Understanding local demographics, foot traffic patterns, and competitive landscape is an advantage.
5. Personal Attributes
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Leadership Skills: Ability to hire, train, and motivate staff to maintain the brand’s high standards.
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Entrepreneurial Drive: Goal-oriented, motivated to grow the franchise, and open to learning from corporate guidance.
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Strong Work Ethic: Committed to working alongside the team, especially in the critical first years of operation.
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Positive Attitude: Enthusiasm and optimism, which reflect in customer experience and team morale.
Financial Detail
| 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 |