News Summary
The MilkShake Factory is set to open its second store in Cumming, further enhancing its footprint in the Atlanta area. This expansion is led by former NFL quarterback Rick Strom and will introduce a family-friendly environment with celebratory festivities, including live music and special offers. The Cumming location offers a menu of 26 hand-spun shakes and caters to various dietary preferences. With roots dating back to 1914, the brand continues to thrive with plans for additional locations in the future.
Cumming, Georgia
The MilkShake Factory is expanding its presence in the metro Atlanta area with the upcoming grand opening of its second store in Cumming on October 8, 2025, followed by a South Forsyth location on October 11, 2025. This significant expansion marks the brand’s continued growth in a new market, capitalizing on its popularity among dessert enthusiasts.
Rick Strom, a former quarterback for Georgia Tech and the NFL teams including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, and Detroit Lions, is spearheading the new locations. His vision is to foster a family-friendly environment where patrons can come together to celebrate special moments and indulge in delicious treats.
The South Forsyth grand opening will feature festivities such as live music, giveaways, and an enticing buy-one-get-one-free deal on all shakes, sundaes, and molten cups, drawing in guests eager to try the brand’s offerings.
Menu Highlights
The MilkShake Factory offers an extensive menu that includes 26 varieties of hand-spun shakes, alongside chocolate bark, cake pops, stroopwafels, and housemade ice cream with over 10% butterfat content. Some of the most favored shake flavors include campfire s’mores, bananas foster, chocolate cake shake, salted caramel pretzel, and mint cookies and cream, as well as classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. In addition, the MilkShake Factory caters to dietary preferences with non-dairy shake options made using soy and almond milk.
Store Design
The Cumming store, which spans 1,500 square feet, showcases a design that pays homage to the brand’s turn-of-the-century origins, featuring distinctive elements such as white subway tile and Carrera countertops.
Company Background
The MilkShake Factory originated as a chocolate shop and soda fountain in Pittsburgh, founded in 1914 by Charlie and Orania Sarandou. Over the years, the company has expanded significantly and currently operates 11 locations in Pittsburgh, as well as 15 franchise locations across the United States. In efforts to continue its growth, three additional stores in the metro Atlanta area are planned, though leases for those locations have yet to be finalized.
Today, the MilkShake Factory utilizes family recipes that have been handed down through generations to craft its unique and tasty offerings. Dana Edwards Manatos, the great-granddaughter of the original founders, initiated the business plan for the MilkShake Factory in 2003, aiming to boost year-round sales at the family’s original chocolate shop. This initiative has paved the way for the brand’s expansion into new territories, including the exciting new locations in Georgia.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
