MILLIE’S HOMEMADE Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream was founded in 2014 by husband and wife team Chad and Lauren Townsend in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. What started as a small kitchen operation using a high-end micro-puree machine to make small batches of handcrafted ice cream has grown into a thriving brand headquartered in Homestead, Pennsylvania.
Over the years, Millie’s built its own manufacturing facility and expanded its presence with scoop shops and food trucks, becoming a beloved name in the Pittsburgh area and beyond.
The brand began franchising around 2021, offering opportunities for entrepreneurs to open brick-and-mortar scoop shops, food trucks, or specialty kiosks under the Millie’s banner.
Millie’s specializes in super-premium ice cream and gelato, including dairy-free varieties, as well as freshly made waffle cones, sundaes, floats, shakes, pints for retail, and artisan coffee and espresso drinks.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a MILLIE’S HOMEMADE franchise? It costs on average between $65,000 – $485,000 to start a MILLIE’S HOMEMADE franchised shop.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, signage, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The total amount varies based on several factors, such as the type of franchise format selected—scoop shop, food truck, or kiosk—the size and location of the operation, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property. MILLIE’S HOMEMADE offers 2 types of franchises:
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shop or CNC Shop | $145,020 – $484,700 |
| Specialty Shop or CNC Specialty Shop | $65,000 – $214,000 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a MILLIE’S HOMEMADE Shop or CNC Shop. For more information on costs required to start a MILLIE’S HOMEMADE franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $32,500 |
| Rent (3 months) | $7,500 – $13,500 |
| Leasehold Improvements and Signage | $40,000 – $260,000 |
| Equipment | $25,820 – $57,500 |
| Opening Inventory | $5,500 – $8,500 |
| Opening Advertising | $5,000 |
| Food Truck/Upfitting | $0 – $65,000 |
| Office Supplies and Smallwares | $3,500 – $4,000 |
| Initial Training Expenses | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Business Licenses | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Insurance | $2,000 – $2,500 |
| Computer Systems | $1,200 |
| Additional Funds (Initial Period 3 months) | $20,000 – $30,000 |
| Total | $145,020 – $484,700 |
MILLIE’S HOMEMADE Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many MILLIE’S HOMEMADE locations are there?
As of the latest data, Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream operates a total of 17 locations, with 5 company-owned stores and 12 franchised units across Pennsylvania and Florida.
What is the total investment required to open a MILLIE’S HOMEMADE franchise?
The total investment required to open a MILLIE’S HOMEMADE franchise ranges from $65,000 to $485,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a MILLIE’S HOMEMADE franchise?
Millie’s Homemade franchisees pay an ongoing royalty fee of 5% of gross sales. In addition, franchisees contribute 2% of gross sales toward a marketing and advertising fund, which supports brand development, promotional campaigns, and national marketing efforts to help drive customer awareness and sales across all locations.
Who owns MILLIE’S HOMEMADE?
Millie’s Homemade franchise is owned by Chad and Lauren Townsend, the husband-and-wife team who founded the brand in 2014.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. SharpSheets is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any franchisor mentioned on this website. Where noted, figures are taken from the franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). In some cases, we may provide independent calculations or estimates based on publicly available information. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.
