Milkshake Factory’s first Arizona location held an Aug. 2 grand opening and is now open at 4955 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 4955-13, in a Hornaek’s Golf shopping center.

The dessert cafe’s signature items are handspun milkshakes and small-batch, premium chocolates, according to a news release.

The Chandler store is owned and operated by Kavita Kumar, a longtime East Valley resident and restaurant operator. After years of running a full-service concept, she discovered MilkShake Factory and was inspired to bring something new to her local community, the release states.

“With the Arizona heat, there’s nothing better than a cold, handspun milkshake and we knew this would be a perfect fit for families in Chandler,” Kumar said in the release. “I’ve seen how meaningful it can be to create a space where people gather and celebrate everyday life. MilkShake Factory offers something joyful and approachable and I’m excited to bring that experience to Chandler and help grow the brand in Arizona.”

The Chandler cafe is the first of six planned MilkShake Factory stores across Chandler, Gilbert, and Scottsdale. The brand currently has a second store under construction at SanTan Village in Gilbert, with more locations to follow in the months ahead, the release states.

MilkShake Factory’s menu features an assortment of milkshake flavors, including chocolate-dipped strawberry and Campfire S’mores, alongside handcrafted sundaes, molten chocolate cups, and housemade chocolate treats. Every item is made with the brand’s own ice cream, created fresh in store daily using the Edwards family’s exclusive recipe, the release states.

Founded in 1914, the company began as a small soda fountain and chocolate shop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where generations of chocolatiers crafted premium confections using time-honored techniques high-quality ingredients, the release states.

What started as a local sweet shop has grown into a dessert shop that tries to blend classic craftsmanship with modern indulgences in a growing franchise program.

The Chandler Ocotillo store will be open daily from noon to 10 p.m. Visit milkshakefactory.com to learn more.

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