Popular Milkshake Chain Now Open In Darien

DARIEN, CT — MilkShake Factory, the popular dessert destination known for hand-spun milkshakes and small-batch premium chocolates, is now open in Darien.

Located at 410 Heights Road in the Heights Crossing development, the location soft-opened in mid-April with limited hours, but is now open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Heights Crossing features 65 luxury rental apartments — 31 one-bedroom, 30 two-bedroom, and 4 three-bedroom units, with 10 designated as affordable housing.

There is also 28,765 square feet of retail and commercial space.

"As soon as I tried the products and became familiar with the team, it became easy to picture MilkShake Factory in Darien," said Scott Ackerman, owner/operator of the Darien storefront. "There’s a lot of care behind the brand, but the experience itself is simple and fun. It’s the kind of place where someone can stop in with their kids, meet a friend after school or pick up something sweet on the way home."

Family-owned since 1914, Milkshake Factory started off as an old-fashioned soda fountain and chocolate shop and evolved into an iconic spot for sweets in Pittsburgh, Pa.

The Darien outpost represents the second Connecticut location. Milkshake Factory opened a store in Stamford last November.

There are now multiple locations in Pittsburgh and throughout Pennsylvania, as well as Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. The company's website shows more locations "coming soon."

The menu at Milkshake Factory features signature milkshakes ranging from the chocolate-dipped strawberry to peanut butter brownie.

There are also limited-time offerings.

Milkshakes are made with homemade ice cream, with dairy-free options available.

Premium chocolates crafted by generational chocolatiers are also offered.

"For me, the exciting part is not just opening the doors, but getting to know the community around us," Ackerman added. "Darien has families, students, commuters and neighbors passing through this area every day, and I see this as an opportunity to create a place that feels welcoming, consistent and fun for all of them."