Construction is underway on a MilkShake Factory at 4917 Main St. in downtown Downers Grove, the chain's first location in Illinois.
The project, first reported by Patch, is a 1,550-square-foot build-out inside the Domain on Main development. Troy Riley, president of Oakwood Construction Services, said work is "progressing smoothly." Oakwood is in the rough construction phase, Riley said.
Riley, who lives in Downers Grove, called it "especially rewarding to help bring a project like MilkShake Factory to our hometown," telling Patch he sees the shop as a new draw for residents.
No opening date has been announced.
Riley's firm has done other work in Downers Grove, replacing exterior windows at the Moose Lodge and handling capital improvements at Orange & Brew, according to Patch. Oakwood also built Lo Key Restaurant in Elmhurst and Swedish Girl Bakery in Willowbrook.
The Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation highlighted the project in a September announcement. The DGEDC noted that Oakwood, one of its investors, is serving as general contractor. The corporation said it expects the shop to draw foot traffic to the downtown area.
The Domain on Main sits along Main Street in downtown Downers Grove, steps from the Metra BNSF Line station, according to the development's property listing. The building features ground-level retail space beneath 21 luxury residential units.
MilkShake Factory is a fourth-generation family business that makes its ice cream in-store, according to the company's website. The family has been making chocolates since 1914.
The chain has more than 50 U.S. locations, Patch reported. Its menu lists classic, signature and gourmet shakes along with non-dairy options. Gourmet flavors include raspberries and cream and cookie dough fudge.
The shop will also carry ice cream sundaes, root beer floats and take-home treats from an in-house chocolate bar.
