A guide to milkshake franchises
Milkshake franchises sit within one of the UK’s most vibrant and fast-growing dessert sectors, combining strong consumer demand with relatively accessible start-up costs. Whether you are drawn to a compact shake bar or a full dessert-lounge concept, the variety on offer means there is likely a model to suit your ambitions and budget. With 11 opportunities currently listed on FindMyFranchise, investment levels range from £30,000 to £175,000, giving prospective franchisees a genuinely broad spectrum to explore.
How much does a milkshake franchise cost?
Start-up investment varies considerably depending on the size of the premises, the brand’s fit-out requirements, and the breadth of the menu. Above is a guide to the main investment bands you will encounter in this category.
- Under £50,000 — Entry-level opportunities such as Sblended Milkshakes (£30,000) and Shakeaway (£40,000) make this one of the more accessible food-and-beverage categories for first-time franchisees.
- £50,000–£90,000 — Mid-range concepts include Dum Dum Donutterie (£60,000), McDonald’s UK (£85,000), and Little Dessert Shop (£87,995), typically offering broader menus and stronger brand recognition alongside a higher initial commitment.
- £90,000–£120,000 — Premium dessert-lounge formats such as Heavenly Desserts (£90,000), Nugelato Ice Cream Boutique (£100,000), and Rassams Creamery (£100,000) sit in this band, often featuring dine-in environments and extended product ranges.
- £120,000–£175,000 — At the higher end, Yolé (£150,000) and Kaspas (£175,000) represent established, design-led brands with a strong high-street and retail-park presence, reflecting the greater investment required for larger units and comprehensive fit-outs.
Types of milkshake franchise
- Dedicated shake bars — Compact, experience-led outlets focused squarely on milkshakes and blended drinks. Sblended Milkshakes and Shakeaway are strong examples, offering extensive flavour customisation in smaller footprints.
- Dessert lounges and cafés — Milkshakes form part of a wider dessert menu that may include waffles, sundaes, and hot drinks. Kaspas, Heavenly Desserts, and Little Dessert Shop follow this popular sit-down model, which encourages longer dwell time and higher average spend.
- Ice cream and gelato boutiques — Concepts where frozen desserts take centre stage alongside shakes and other sweet treats. Nugelato Ice Cream Boutique and Rassams Creamery fall into this category, appealing to customers seeking a premium artisan experience.
- Doughnut and sweet-treat specialists — Brands such as Dum Dum Donutterie extend the milkshake offer into a broader indulgent treat destination, pairing drinks with freshly made doughnuts and confections.
- Large multi-product QSR brands — McDonald’s UK includes milkshakes as part of an extensive quick-service restaurant offering, representing a well-known but operationally complex franchise at a different scale to the boutique operators.
Is a milkshake franchise right for you?
This category tends to suit franchisees who enjoy a customer-facing, fast-paced retail environment and have a genuine passion for food and hospitality. Strong location selection is crucial — footfall-driven sites in shopping centres, high streets, and retail parks are typically where milkshake and dessert concepts thrive. Look closely at each franchisor’s territory arrangements to ensure your chosen area is available and has sufficient population density to sustain the business.
Prior experience in catering or food retail is helpful but is rarely a strict requirement, as most franchisors provide comprehensive training programmes covering product preparation, operations, and marketing. Consider whether the brand offers ongoing support, national marketing activity, and a clear product development pipeline — these factors can make a significant difference to long-term performance in a competitive market.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a milkshake franchise cost in the UK?
Investment levels currently range from £30,000 for an entry-level concept such as Sblended Milkshakes up to £175,000 for a larger brand like Kaspas. The right level depends on your available capital, the size of premises required, and the type of concept that appeals to you.
Do I need experience in food and beverage to run a milkshake franchise?
Most franchisors in this category do not require a professional catering background. Full training is typically provided before you open, covering everything from product preparation to day-to-day management.
What kind of location works best for a milkshake franchise?
High-footfall locations — such as town-centre high streets, shopping centres, and retail parks — generally perform best, as these concepts rely on impulse purchases and passing trade.
Are milkshake franchises profitable?
Profitability depends on factors including location, operating costs, and how well the business is run. Speak directly with each franchisor and, where possible, with existing franchisees to gain a realistic picture before committing.
Is this a seasonal business?
Demand for milkshakes and frozen desserts can peak during warmer months, though many brands in this category offer diversified menus — including hot drinks and waffles — that help maintain trade throughout the year.
