Milkshake Factory Brings Century-Old Chocolate and Shake Tradition to New Jersey

A beloved Pittsburgh institution is set to sweeten the Garden State as Milkshake Factory®, a family-run chocolate and milkshake brand with over a century of history, prepares to open its first New Jersey locations. Plans are underway for stores in Florham Park, Jersey City, and Somerville, marking the brand’s expansion beyond Pennsylvania and introducing New Jersey residents to its signature handcrafted chocolates and handspun shakes.

The story of Milkshake Factory® begins in 1914, when Greek immigrants Charlie and Orania opened a chocolate shop and soda fountain in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood. At a time when refrigeration was a luxury, families flocked to soda fountains to enjoy milkshakes, ice cream, and handcrafted chocolates, making the shop a beloved neighborhood destination.

By the 1950s, the second generation had joined the business, upholding the family’s rich chocolate-making tradition while introducing new techniques and products. They instilled a deep appreciation for quality and craftsmanship in the next generation, ensuring that chocolate-making would remain at the heart of the family enterprise.

In 1973, as the third generation entered the business, the family expanded operations with the opening of a dedicated chocolate factory near the original shop. This move allowed for larger-scale production while preserving the artisanal methods passed down through generations. By the 1980s, the fourth generation grew up immersed in the chocolate-making craft, learning firsthand the skills and care required to produce the brand’s renowned truffles, caramels, and chocolate barks.

The 1990s saw the transformation of the original chocolate shop into what would become the first official MilkShake Factory® location, complete with its iconic red tin ceiling and an expanded menu of inventive milkshake flavors alongside gourmet chocolates. By 2003, the fourth generation fully took the reins, blending creativity with tradition and introducing handspun shakes alongside the century-old chocolate recipes.

Today, Milkshake Factory® operates multiple locations across Pittsburgh, earning a reputation as the region’s premier destination for milkshakes, sundaes, and handcrafted chocolates. Each store continues to make ice cream and chocolates in-house daily, maintaining the family’s dedication to quality, flavor, and customer experience.

The upcoming New Jersey expansion represents the brand’s first step outside Pennsylvania, bringing its signature gourmet chocolates and inventive shake flavors to new communities. With locations planned for Florham Park, Jersey City, and Somerville, residents can soon enjoy handspun shakes, craft sundaes, and small-batch chocolates that have been perfected over four generations. While details for additional locations, including Bergen County, have not yet been announced, the launch marks a major milestone in the company’s growth.

Milkshake Factory®’s move into New Jersey not only introduces residents to its delicious treats but also underscores a commitment to maintaining family tradition, artisanal quality, and community engagement. From salted caramels and chocolate barks to inventive shakes, the brand promises the same dedication to excellence that has delighted families for over a century.

As New Jersey awaits opening announcements, enthusiasts can follow updates on the brand’s expansion plans and learn more about their menu offerings, special events, and locations. To stay informed about real estate and business developments impacting the state, visit Explore New Jersey’s Real Estate section.

With its rich heritage and focus on small-batch craftsmanship, Milkshake Factory® is poised to become a sweet new favorite in the Garden State, carrying forward a century-old tradition of chocolate and shake excellence into the next chapter of its legacy.