Millie's Homemade Ice Cream Partners with Franchise FastLane for National Expansion

Millie's Homemade Ice Cream has formed a strategic partnership with Franchise FastLane to drive nationwide expansion through franchising. The Pittsburgh-based ice cream company, known for its chef-inspired creations and community-oriented approach, has joined Franchise FastLane's CarPool program to scale its operations while preserving the authentic, welcoming atmosphere that defines the brand.

Founded in 2016 by husband-and-wife team Chad and Lauren Townsend, Millie's began as a passion project that has since grown to 20 locations across Pennsylvania and Florida. The company operates brick-and-mortar shops, food trucks, and specialty venues, with many locations now owned and operated by franchise partners who were originally loyal customers asking how to bring Millie's to their hometowns.

Chad Townsend, who brings culinary expertise from Pittsburgh's top restaurants and a Michelin-starred kitchen in France, explained the significance of the partnership. "We've spent years perfecting our distribution and manufacturing, but CarPool is the missing link as we expand beyond Pennsylvania," he said. "The CarPool team brings the professionalism, strategy, and structure we need to grow – all while preserving the authenticity and sense of community that makes Millie's so special."

The CarPool program, launched by Franchise FastLane in 2023, provides franchise development coaching and administrative services for emerging brands seeking to scale responsibly. Through this partnership, Millie's will work with Franchise FastLane to identify franchise partners who share their commitment to hospitality, community connection, and local flavor development. Franchisors in the CarPool program maintain sales development in-house while receiving comprehensive support including organic lead qualification, territory checks, call scheduling, validation services, and compliance assistance.

Tim Koch, President & COO of Franchise FastLane, expressed confidence in Millie's expansion potential. "Millie's is exactly the kind of brand that makes franchising exciting and meaningful," Koch said. "Chad and Lauren built a business rooted in passion, quality, and community. With the infrastructure they've developed over nearly a decade and the heart they bring to everything they do, we're confident Millie's will make a lasting impression as they expand nationwide."

All CarPool partners gain access to Franchise FastLane's exclusive MasterMind program, where brand leaders collaborate to share insights, explore innovative ideas, and strengthen operational systems. These sessions foster open discussion to help refine franchisee support, address challenges, and identify growth opportunities while encouraging both professional and personal development.

The expansion represents a significant milestone for the ice cream industry, demonstrating how artisanal food brands can scale while maintaining their commitment to quality ingredients and community values. Millie's emphasis on sourcing heritage breed dairy and sustainable ingredients, combined with its living wage commitment for employees, sets a new standard for ethical franchising in the food service sector.

For additional information about Franchise FastLane's CarPool Program, please visit https://www.franchisefastlane.com/carpool.