When we hear the phrase we all scream for ice cream, I take this quite literally. Ice cream is my favorite junk food (“junk” depending on who’s inquiring) So when I got an invite from San Marco’s newest ice cream shop Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream I didn’t walk, I did the mad dash to see what it was all about.
I got to meet the co-founder Chad Townsend getting some fun facts about Millie Mill, and i’m going to give you the scoop (no pun intended) about why we are here… the freaking ice cream. Keep reading to find out why Millie’s stands out from your average ice cream shop and some flavors you’ve got to try.
Visiting Millie’s
Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream is located at 1958 San Marco Blvd. It sits right next door to Juice Box. It is very hard to miss because it’s painted bright pink with a huge bay window that screams heyyy come on in!
Inside is a cozy yet quaint bright colored shop with the cutest decor and their mission statement “crafting every scoop and every moment to make your day” posted. Aromatic scents of waffle cones baking hit your nose at the door. From the mint chip painting on the ceiling to the simple aesthetics, Millie’s is the perfect setting for a family outing or date night with a scoop as the star.
Toward the back you will find the display of flavors and jars holding toppings such as sprinkles, candies, and Oreos. The one complaint I would have is that the counters sit up high, not allowing the little ones to see the scoops being made. BUT, they have a small step stool on site. Problem solved.
Long story short, Millie’s is a place you want to be, although small it’s warm and inviting. Grab a table and people watch from the large bay window.
5 Flavors You’ve Got To Try At Millie’s
source @Millieshomemade.com
Very Mango – A dairy free option thats screams mango. Truthfully this was mind boggling that no milk was involved in the making of this. MANGO-Y and creamy. Definitely one to remember
Key Lime Pie – another dairy free option and tastes like the best key lime pie you can imagine. The graham cracker crust take it to the next level
Strawberry Jam – Millie’s version of strawberry ice cream, but hardly normal. a delicious strawberry base with a ripple of jam throughout. It tastes like fresh strawberry jam. Simply irresistible.
Backyard S’mores – This one actually made my friend and I do a very big back dance. Made with authentic Biscoff Cookies and 38% Guittard Milk Chocolate from Mon Aimee Chocolate — not that fake stuff.
Cookie Dough – Listen, I’ve had a good cookie dough in my day. But this one right here baby. WHEW. The dough was soft in the ice cream. This creamy vanilla ice cream is jam-packed with chewy chunks of salty, buttery, chocolate-chip cookie dough. It ranks high on my fave cookie dough ice creams.
A few honorable mentions are the coffee break and dairy- free brownie batter for the chocolate lovers out there.
Meeting Chad, Millie’s Co-Founder
During my visit I had the chance to sit down and chit chat with the co-founder Chad Townsend. He was extremely laid back but in the same manner undoubtbly passionate about his business.
Chad calls himself a Chef in his former life, who wanted a shift in career path. In 2014 he came up with the idea of starting an ice cream business. Millie’s is named after his late grandmother Mildred. This is not only a project of passion it’s sincerely about family and love. After maxing out his wife’s credit card to purchase a very expensive Paco-Jet machine; he was given the condition it had to be paid off by the end of the summer (yikes). From there he became an ice cream bootlegger, making ice cream using premium products. Selling scoops to locals at a fast rate, he quickly realized he was on to something. He purchased his first factory and viola…
10 years later and 18 locations in, the Millie’s San Marco location is the second franchised location in Florida. Wow. He explained that Millie’s does offer ice cream at a higher price point. However, they have maintained the integrity of using quality products, remaining unique, and paying their staff well to ensure they live a great quality of life. Chad sincerely believes in the quality over quantity and in turn has managed to breed several successful locations under his belt.
I won’t bore you with all the details that interest a small business owner like myself. Instead, here’s a few fun facts about Millie’s.
Millie’s Fun Facts
- They are based out of Pittsburgh, Pa and have 12 operation shops there and 2 Jacksonville locations
- Chad has “chef” his resume and has chef friends, they develop new flavors and offer 4 new ones a month!
- All off the ingredients are high quality and sourced from farmers & artisans
- Every batch of ice cream is produced at an in house factory in Pittsburgh. It’s shipped directly to Florida ensuring the perfect scoop every time.
- Some of the best dairy free options can be found here, Vegans and Vegetarians are welcome!
- Chad has a tattoo of ice cream on his right arm, a man dedicated to his brand.
- You can get Millie’s delivered to your door, whereas they offer national shipping!
In a city brimming with vibrant eateries, Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream in San Marco stands out as a truly sweet experience. From the unique, handcrafted flavors to the welcoming atmosphere that feels like home, every visit to Millie’s offers a taste of Jacksonville’s local charm. Whether you’re a San Marco local or just passing through, stopping by Millie’s isn’t just about grabbing dessert—it’s about savoring something special, crafted with care by a passionate team. So next time you’re craving a scoop (or two), let Millie’s remind you of the simple joys in life, one delicious bite at a time.
Visit their San Marco (1958 San Marco Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32207) or (Ponte Vedra 830 A1A N Ste 16 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082) Locations today. Let me know what you think when you do! Visit them online at Millieshomemade.com for more.
Millie’s is located in San Marco, one of my fave neighborhoods around town. You’ve got to check out Taverna and consider taking your next stroll in the area. Check out my articles on both.
Keep It Bougie, Get More Of The Bad Babe Lifestyle(#bbl)
Looking for more? Here are a few ways to keep up with the Bad Babe Lifestyle (#bbl)
Stick Around. If you haven’t already, subscribe to receive instant updates when something new is posted. Just scroll below this post.
Let’s get social find me on Tiktok and Instagram @Eatnbougie, a frequent fix for your fashion and food needs.
Slide past my Pinterest my brain, exploded. Tons of cool sh*t to see there.
Sub to my Youtube here you will find weekly vlogs and tons of fashion inspo.
Shoppaholic? Check out my Amazon Storefront for all my fave picks.
For more shoppable posts check out my LTK shop!
-Ash
Leave a Reply