The Milkshake Factory brings a unique story to Utah’s ice cream scene

PLEASANT GROVE, Utah — Spend any time in Utah and you know for certain that ice cream makes up just a little bit of state culture. Now, The Milkshake Factory from Pittsburg is opening its doors in Utah.

It’s the first franchise location outside of the Three Rivers. However, owner Micah Keith hopes more locations will open across the Wasatch Front.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Shaking things up at the Milkshake Factory

The Factory has its own flare for milkshakes. In-house sweets top the shakes and the root beer for floats is from Jackson Hole. The pitch is thinner and much more drinkable milkshakes. And, of course, the shop offers dairy-free options.

“Most of Utah is used to the thick shakes,” Keith observes, “I just felt this was something different … I think the Utah consumer would love it.”

The American Dream

Keith says it’s not just about the shakes. Greek immigrants Charlie and Orania  opened the doors to their  chocolate shop and soda fountain in 1914. The shop became a chocolate factory in 1973. In 2003, one of Charles and Orania’s descendants turned the whole enterprise into The Milkshake Factory.

Pittsburgh has 11 locations. The Pleasant Grove location opened on the Saturday, July 13.

“Right now, there’s only 12 franchise locations in total,” Keith said.

Since franchising, “hundreds of locations were sold across the country,” Keith said.

Now Utah has the rights to Charles and Orania’s legacy outside of the ‘Burgh. Keith hopes the family-feels carry over.

“I hope it becomes one of those places where kids, parents and grandparents want to come and experience it with their family,” he said.

Michael Camit is a reporter for KSL NewsRadio.