Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream Franchise

Chad and Lauren Townsend are identified in Millie’s April 28, 2026 disclosure as co-founders working in Pittsburgh since July 2014. The brand’s operating affiliate began as La Recette, LLC in December 2013 and adopted the Millie’s Homemade name in November 2015. Millie’s Franchising, LLC was formed in December 2020 and began offering franchises in January 2021.

The business developed around scoop shops and an affiliated ice cream production operation. Today’s disclosed shop model brings ice cream, dairy-free gelato and waffle cones together with a mobile food truck; the approved coffee format adds specialty coffee and espresso products. These formats give owners a clear hospitality concept to build around, with shop service and event catering supported by the same brand and operating system.

Affiliated Millie’s Shadyside, Millie’s Market Square and Millie’s Ice Cream Works were formed in December 2018. The first two operate Pittsburgh shops, while Ice Cream Works is the production affiliate. The franchisor’s parent is Frozen Assets Holdings, LLC. These affiliate milestones describe the development of the operating and production system, separately from the start of franchising in 2021.

Initial training. Millie’s program combines instruction in Pittsburgh, remote sessions and training at the owner’s location. Item 11 describes approximately four days in the Pittsburgh area, five days of remote training and seven days at the new location, tailored to prior experience. Its table lists 58 classroom or remote hours and 46 on-the-job hours, including 40 hours of opening-week assistance. The program therefore includes launch support as well as preparation before opening. Subjects cover shop procedures, portioning and allergy protocols, marketing, staffing, inventory, point-of-sale systems, financial reporting, and event planning and execution.

Participants and preparation. The owner-operator and all managers must complete training satisfactorily. Initial instruction is tuition-free for the owner and personnel attending at the same time, while franchisees pay travel, lodging, wages and related expenses. The separate activation fee covers pre-opening and opening support. Millie’s supplies operating standards, site and lease review, equipment specifications and approved supplier information. Owners obtain permits, arrange construction, hire employees and procure the equipment and supplies; the franchisor does not deliver or install fixtures for them.

Continuing guidance and training. Resources include operating manual and menu updates, consultations, marketing guidance and approved supplier information. Visits and inspections are discretionary. Item 11 describes required refresher courses of up to 24 hours per calendar year without tuition, with attendee expenses paid by the owner. Item 6 reserves charges for replacement, corrective and requested on-site training, currently $2,000 per designated trainee in Pittsburgh or $500 per trainer per day on site plus expenses, with disclosed increase rights. The agreement also charges then-current fees for subsequent training. These provisions differ in scope, so owners should confirm the charge for a particular course or visit before arranging it.

Technology, marketing and management. Owners use approved point-of-sale, software and reporting systems and pay their associated charges. Proposed advertising requires approval, and the owner funds local promotion; brand-fund spending does not guarantee results in an individual territory. An approved, trained manager can supervise the shop, while the owner remains involved. At least one training graduate must remain on staff, and each shop in a multi-unit operation requires a properly trained manager. Franchisees retain responsibility for staffing, food and service standards and daily operations.

Source: Millie’s Franchise Disclosure Document issued April 28, 2026, Items 6, 11 and 15 and Franchise Agreement Sections 7 and 9.

Millie’s gives an owner a focused way to build a local hospitality business around ice cream, guest service and events. The scoop shop provides a place for everyday customer relationships, while the food truck brings the menu to celebrations and catering opportunities. The approved coffee format offers another distinct version of the concept.

The ownership appeal combines a recognizable menu, a shared operating system and training that addresses shop service alongside event execution. It suits owners who want to develop a team, maintain food and service standards, and build community relationships through both a physical shop and off-premise events.

Read more in Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream Franchise: From Pittsburgh Roots to Shop Ownership.