Renee and Brent Schadenberg have opened their first Milkshake Factory in the Palma Sola neighborhood of West Bradenton, Florida, bringing a familiar yet carefully crafted dessert concept to a community known for its family-oriented pace and coastal charm. Located just over the Manatee Bridge on Manatee Avenue West, the new shop is positioned to welcome both local residents and visitors looking for a relaxed place to gather.
The couple, who relocated from Michigan to Florida three years ago, said the location felt like a natural fit from the start. Surrounded by neighborhoods, schools, and established restaurants, the area offered the kind of steady foot traffic and community presence they were seeking. For the Schadenbergs, the store represents the first step in a broader plan to open six Milkshake Factory locations across the region.
Renee Schadenberg said the brand’s history as a fourth-generation family business was a major factor in their decision to become franchisees. Ice cream, she noted, has always played a central role in their own family traditions, particularly while traveling and exploring new places together. Opening the shop allows them to recreate that sense of discovery and familiarity for customers in their own community.
Brent Schadenberg described Palma Sola as a place where people naturally slow down and spend time together, making it well suited for a concept designed around shared experiences. He said Milkshake Factory is meant to be more than a dessert stop, emphasizing its role as a welcoming gathering place for families, tourists, and neighbors alike.
That emphasis on connection is reflected inside the store, which features a custom mural inspired by local manatees and the surrounding area. For the Schadenbergs, the goal is not simply to serve milkshakes but to create a space that feels rooted in its surroundings, where small moments can turn into lasting memories.
