Inside the Yard Milkshake Bar in Pigeon Forge, With Photos
A look at The Yard dessert shop in Pigeon Forge
It's not only burgers, escape rooms and zipline roller coasters bringing the boys (and girls) to the yard of Lumberjack Square in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Best known for its crazy creations, The Yard Milkshake Bar is a specialty dessert and ice cream shop that serves (literally) over-the-top shakes and sundaes.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- How much does The Yard Milkshake Bar cost?
- Do you keep the jar at The Yard Milkshake Bar?
- What's on the menu at The Yard?
- What ice cream flavors does The Yard have?
- Was The Yard Milkshake Bar on Shark Tank?
- Why is it called The Yard Milkshake Bar?
- Where is The Yard Milkshake Bar in Pigeon Forge? Is there parking?
How much does The Yard Milkshake Bar cost?
The gram-worthy milkshakes that make The Yard famous cost $17 for a pint. These massive milkshakes are works of art that are topped with an entire extra dessert, like a whole slice of cheesecake, a cookie or a cupcake. If you're not quite ready to fork over nearly $20 for a gigantic milkshake, you can start smaller. For example, specialty ice cream bowls are $12. These bowls offer smaller versions of the larger works of art.
Alternatively, you can also make your own exclusive concoction. To start, simply choose a flavor of ice cream and then select toppings. There are dozens of toppings to choose from. Most toppings are 75 cents each. Notably, specialty toppings like a donut or mermaid tail are $2 each. Finally, The Yard is also famous for its edible cookie dough, available in a pint jar ($15) or as a cookie dough pop ($4). Remember that prices are subject to change.
Do you keep the jar at The Yard Milkshake Bar?
If you order one of the specialty milkshakes for $17, the souvenir jar comes with it. However, pricing is subject to change.
What's on the menu at The Yard?
You can view a full menu with more photos online here. But overall, in addition to specialty milkshakes and sundaes, they also offer edible cookie dough, scooped ice cream, floats, dough pops and bowls. The Pigeon Forge location even offers an exclusive menu item inspired by Dolly Parton herself. The Dolly has strawberry ice cream with rainbow marshmallow drizzle in a vanilla iced jar, rolled with pastel sprinkles and topped with white chocolate and strawberry cookie dough pop, rainbow whipped cream and a butterfly wafer.
The shop also offers "Kids' Favorite Picks" which are smaller versions of the over-the-top creations that come in a cup. And finally, The Yard also has a handful of gluten-free and lactose-friendly options. Be sure to ask your server about any dietary restrictions or allergies.
What ice cream flavors does The Yard have?
The Yard offers about 30 flavors of ice cream. They offer anything from classics like chocolate, birthday cake, cookie dough or strawberry, to specialty flavors like Marshmallow Overload, Cinnamon Bun, Graham Central Station and Caramel Cheesecake Cookie Monster. View the Yard's menu here.
Is The Yard Milkshake Bar a franchise?
The Yard Milkshake Bar is a franchise with multiple locations in the United States. Notably, the location in Pigeon Forge marks the first store in Tennessee. The Pigeon Forge franchise is locally operated and owned by Stacy Babin.
Was The Yard Milkshake Bar on Shark Tank?
The Yard appeared on Shark Tank and grabbed the nation's attention in 2019 in season 11, episode 7. The Yard was the brainchild of husband and wife duo Logan and Chelsea Green. Chelsea's family business was an ice cream shop, and in 2017, the couple opened their first milkshake specialty restaurant in Gulf Shores, Alabama. They received offers from Lori Greiner, Kevin O'Leary and Mark Cuban. Ultimately, they walked away with a deal from Cuban, who offered $400,000 for 22 percent of the company.
Why is it called The Yard Milkshake Bar?
The website makes no official mention of the song "Milkshake" by Kelis. However, I think it's safe to bet that the name of the specialty dessert shop was inspired by the famous lyrics. "When brainstorming name ideas one night in their living room 'The Yard' was born", The Yard website says.
The reference was mentioned on the Shark Tank episode when O'Leary made an offer for the entire business. Instead of just the franchise, he referenced the "whole milkshake" since that's what "brings them to the yard". Sections of the lyrics are also included throughout the branding, including the phrase "Our milkshakes bring everyone to The Yard" and "My milkshake is better than yours".
Where is The Yard Milkshake Bar in Pigeon Forge? Is there parking?
The Yard is located at the Lumberjack Square, at 2530 Parkway #5 Pigeon Forge, TN. Fortunately for visitors, there is ample, free parking available. Hours vary by season, but the shop is currently closed on Wednesdays and otherwise open from mid-early afternoon until 8 or 9 pm on most evenings. Have you been to this milkshake shop in the Smokies yet? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below.