Millie's Homemade Ice Cream, a Pittsburgh-based artisanal ice cream brand founded by husband-and-wife team Chad and Lauren Townsend, has partnered with Franchise FastLane to accelerate its nationwide expansion through franchising. The brand has joined Franchise FastLane's CarPool program, which provides coaching, administrative services, and strategic support for emerging brands seeking to scale responsibly. As of October 2025, Millie's operates 20 locations across Pennsylvania and Florida, including brick-and-mortar shops, food trucks, and specialty venues.
The decision to franchise, which began in 2021, was driven by demand from loyal customers who wanted to bring Millie's to their own hometowns. Some of those customers have since become franchisees. Chad Townsend, a chef with experience in Michelin-starred kitchens, and Lauren Townsend, a former mergers and acquisitions professional, founded the brand in 2016 after experimenting with an expensive ice cream maker. "Millie's started on a whim after Chad and I splurged on an expensive ice cream maker," Lauren said. "We never imagined that making ice cream in our kitchen and the back of a friend's restaurant would grow into something so much bigger."
Through the CarPool program, Millie's will work with Franchise FastLane to identify franchise partners who share the brand's values of hospitality and community connection. Tim Koch, President & COO of Franchise FastLane, expressed confidence in the partnership. "Millie's is exactly the kind of brand that makes franchising exciting and meaningful. Chad and Lauren built a business rooted in passion, quality, and community," he said. Chad Townsend noted that while the brand has perfected its distribution and manufacturing, CarPool provides the missing link for growth beyond Pennsylvania. "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," he added.
Franchise FastLane launched CarPool in 2023 to offer franchise development coaching and administrative services. Brands in the program retain in-house sales development while receiving support such as organic lead qualification, territory checks, and compliance assistance. Partners also gain access to the exclusive MasterMind program, where brand leaders meet regularly to share insights and refine franchisee support. Since its founding in 2017, Franchise FastLane has helped award more than 9,000 franchise units and placed over 3,600 entrepreneurs into ownership.
Millie's emphasis on community and chef-inspired ice cream has been central to its growth. The brand sources heritage breed dairy and local, sustainable ingredients, and pays all associates a competitive living wage. For more information about Franchise FastLane's CarPool Program, visit https://www.franchisefastlane.com/carpool.
