Frozen Dessert Success - Blog by Sentry Equipment

Why Pizza Shops Are Cashing In on Milkshakes (And How You Can Too)

Written by Robert Romarino | Apr 13, 2026 7:48:10 PM

 

If you own or operate a pizza shop, you already know the formula: great pizza drives traffic, but add-ons drive profit. Toppings help. Sides help. But if you’re not offering milkshakes, you’re leaving one of the most powerful, high-margin opportunities untapped.

At Sentry Equipment, we’ve worked with pizza operators across the region who are adding a milkshake program powered by the CS700—and seeing immediate results in ticket size, customer satisfaction, and repeat business.

This isn’t about reinventing your menu.

It’s about unlocking more value from every order, especially in a world dominated by takeout and delivery.

Why Milkshakes Work So Well With Pizza

Pizza is already one of the most universally loved foods. But when it comes to beverages, most shops stop at soda. That’s a missed opportunity.

Milkshakes elevate the entire experience:

    • They feel indulgent and premium

    • They pair perfectly with salty, savory foods

    • They appeal to families, kids, and late-night crowds

    • They turn a basic order into a “treat”

And most importantly:

    • They dramatically increase your average ticket

A customer ordering a $18–$25 pizza is far more likely to add a $6–$9 milkshake than another food item. It’s an easy yes.

 


The CS700: Built for Pizza Shop Realities

Pizza kitchens are busy. Space is tight. Staff is moving fast. Any new program needs to be simple, reliable, and fast, or it won’t stick.

That’s exactly why operators choose the CS700 milkshake machine.

Fast Output During Rushes

Friday night rush? No problem. The CS700 keeps up with demand without slowing down your line. Shakes in seconds. Profits in bundles.

Simple Operation for Any Staff Member

No complicated training. Your team can make consistent, high-quality shakes with minimal effort. Add in ZERO waste with our CS700 and the profits stay in your pocket and not down the drain.

Consistency That Builds Your Brand

Every shake—whether dine-in, takeout, or delivery—comes out thick, smooth, and exactly right.

Compact, Efficient Design

Perfect for pizza shops where every inch of space matters.

The Delivery Advantage: Where Milkshakes Really Shine

Here’s where things get even more exciting—milkshakes are one of the easiest premium items to add to delivery orders.

Think about your current delivery business:

  • Customers are already spending

  • They’re ordering for groups or families

  • They’re looking to round out the meal

Milkshakes fit perfectly into this behavior.

Why Milkshakes Deliver So Well:

  They Travel Better Than You Think

With proper cups, lids, and carriers, milkshakes hold their texture and temperature surprisingly well during typical delivery windows.

  They’re Easy to Package

No complicated assembly. No risk of “falling apart” like some desserts. Just blend, lid, and go.

  High Margin, Low Complexity

Unlike hot desserts or specialty items, shakes don’t require extra kitchen steps. They’re quick, consistent, and profitable.

  Perfect for Online Upselling

Add shakes to your online ordering platform as:

    • “Recommended add-ons”

    • Combo upgrades

    • Featured desserts

Customers scrolling through your menu are far more likely to click “add milkshake” than commit to another food item.



Turning Your Shake Program Into a Revenue Driver

Adding shakes is easy. Doing it strategically is what drives real growth.

1. Start With Crowd Favorites

Keep it simple and scalable:

      • Vanilla

      • Chocolate

      • Strawberry

These will make up the bulk of your volume.

2. Add a Few Premium Standouts

This is where you increase your margins and create buzz:

      • Cookies & Cream

      • Chocolate Peanut Butter

      • Nutella Swirl

      • Salted Caramel

These options give customers a reason to upgrade—and a reason to come back.

3. Promote Them Where It Matters Most

If customers don’t see shakes, they won’t order them.

Make sure you feature them:

      • On your online ordering homepage

      • In combo deals (“Add a shake for $X”)

      • On in-store menu boards

      • Across social media

Milkshakes are visual, and highly shareable.

4. Train Your Team to Suggest Them

A simple prompt goes a long way:

“Want to add a milkshake to that order?”

That one sentence can significantly increase your daily sales.

What Pizza Operators Are Experiencing

Operators who add a milkshake program with the CS700 are seeing:

      • Higher average order values (especially online)

      • Increased dessert attachment rates

      • Better customer reviews and satisfaction

      • More family and group appeal

      • Stronger delivery tickets without added kitchen strain

Even a modest adoption of just a handful of shakes per hour, can translate into thousands in additional monthly revenue.

Common Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)

  • Overloading the Menu: Start lean. Build consistency first, then expand.

  • Using Low-Quality Equipment: Inconsistent shakes = unhappy customers, especially in delivery.

  • Ignoring Packaging: Use the right cups and lids to ensure a great delivery experience.

  • Not Featuring Shakes Online: If it’s not front-and-center on your ordering platform, it won’t sell.

 

Why Sentry Equipment?

At Sentry Equipment, we take a consultative, relationship-first approach to helping operators grow.  We don’t just drop off a machine, we help you build a program that works.

With us, you get:

    • The CS700—industry-leading milkshake equipment.

    • Guidance on menu, pricing, and rollout.

    • Strategies to maximize delivery and takeout sales.

    • Ongoing support from a team that understands your business.

We’re family-founded, service-driven, and focused on helping you win.

 

Ready to Boost Your Pizza Shop Profits?

If you’re looking for a simple, high-impact way to grow your revenue—especially in delivery—adding a milkshake program is a no-brainer.  With the CS700, you can start fast, stay consistent, and scale with confidence.

Let’s build it together.

Reach out to Sentry Equipment today and see how easy it is to turn milkshakes into your next big profit center.

Because great pizza brings them in… but the right add-ons make every order count