In the spring of 2025, Jon and Micayla Bahr embarked on a new adventure to bring the Milkshake Factory to the Briargate area of Colorado Springs. This family business started in Pittsburgh in 1914, originally as a chocolate shop and ice cream soda fountain known as Dona’s Chocolate Shop. The business eventually became the MilkShake Factory and offered franchise opportunities under the fourth generation of owners.
The Bahrs live in Colorado Springs and have always wanted to open something in the community where people could gather and have fun. They heard about the MilkShake Factory through a podcast and loved the products. The company’s mission to create simple moments of joy resonated with the couple, who shares fond memories of celebrating life’s big and small moments by going out for dessert.
Jon emphasizes, “We want to be a community destination for our guests.”
Not Your Ordinary Milkshake
The milkshake menu is extensive. Shakes are handspun and made with homemade ice cream. In addition to the selection of classic milkshakes that include traditional flavors like vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, they also offer modern creations in their signature and gourmet collection. Some of the imaginative flavors include campfire s’mores, cookie jar and chocolate dipped strawberry (complete with a chocolate dipped strawberry on top). They also offer non-dairy shakes and seasonal flavors. Customer favorites at the Briargate location include mint cookies and cream, cookie jar, chocolate dipped strawberry and peanut butter brownie.
Since the original store was founded by chocolatiers, the MilkShake Factory also offers a full chocolate bar with chocolates, most of which are made in-house daily. They offer free samples of their chocolate barks and the display is stunning.
The MilkShake Factory also has a $5 happy hour on all classic shakes from 4-6 pm on Thursdays.
Growing in the Community
Micayla loves that the store lets them engage with people.
“We meet so many more people in the community," she says. "We have a great team that we get to kind of develop and grow, and I feel like that is really fulfilling for us.”
Both Jon and Micayla have a corporate background and opening the MilkShake Factory has given them the opportunity to connect more with the local community. The Briargate location is currently the only MilkShake Factory in Colorado and the Bahrs eventually hope to open two more locations in Colorado Springs.
Jon says they love being a part of the community: “It’s just a spot for you to come and enjoy life and have a great milkshake.”
Website: https://www.milkshakefactory.com/locations/co-briargate-9291-highland-ridge-heights/
Facebook: @MilkShakeFactoryBriargate
Instagram: @TheMilkShakeFactory
Address + Phone: 9291 Highland Ridge Heights, Ste 130 | 719-409-5995
“It’s just a spot for you to come and enjoy life and have a great milkshake.”