Ready your straws, there’s a new shop coming to Texas dedicated to milkshakes: Called MilkShake Factory, it's a dessert shop that specializes in milkshakes and gourmet chocolates, and it'll open a location in a new shopping center in Grapevine at 919 E. Northwest Hwy.

Owners and franchisees Scott and Anna Sheehan plan to have it open by the end of the year.

Milkshake Factory started out as a college business class project by founder Dana Edwards Manatos, who opened the first location in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 2003. It has since expanded through Pittsburgh and, as of 2023, opened to franchising across the U.S.

According to the website, Manatos' mother had a passion for chocolate making. They were also inspired to continue the legacy of their ancestors, Carlie and Orania Sarandou, who started a chocolate shop and soda fountain in Pittsburgh in 1914.

Milkshake's menu features more than 20 shake flavors, some classic like chocolate and vanilla, but many with over-the-top ingredients such as the cookie jar milkshake in which ice cream is blended with chocolate chip cookie dough, crushed cookies & cream, and peanut butter cookie crumbles; or the caramel toffee cappuccino with espresso, caramel, and crunchy toffee bits.

"Every shake is crafted with our housemade ice cream, blended with flavorful purees, fresh fruit, and premium ingredients to create the perfect treat," Anna says.

Shakes start at $6.50, and they have dairy-free flavors, too. Other ice cream treats include sundaes and a root beer float.

Milkshake Factory also sells housemade chocolates, using recipes passed down through four generations of chocolatiers. They come in boxed assortments, similar to See's, featuring bonbons, both milk and dark chocolate, with a variety of fillings such as chocolate truffle, chocolate salted caramel, and almond butter toffee. A box of 16 is $30.

Scott and Anna are first-time franchise owners. Anna previously worked in marketing and graphic design; Scott served as a CFO in the oil and gas industry. They hope to open more than one store across Dallas-Fort Worth.

"We've always sought unique business opportunities, and MilkShake Factory truly resonated with us," Anna says. "Its rich family history, now led by the fourth generation, deeply appealed to our values."

The couple lives in Southlake but they chose historic Grapevine for their first location because of its authentic small-town Texas charm, Anna says.

"Grapevine captures the essence of a Texas town with its historic downtown, vibrant community, unique shopping and dining experiences, and family-friendly festivals year-round," she says. "We are excited to become part of the community."