Shakes with Sheriffs connects neighbors and law enforcement

Families met sheriff’s office personnel and Township staff during a two-hour community gathering at Milkshake Factory.

Friday, July 10, 2026 | 6 p.m.

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — Residents had an opportunity to meet local law enforcement, ask questions and enjoy a shake Friday afternoon during Shakes with Sheriffs at Milkshake Factory in The Woodlands.

The event brought together the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Services Department and the owners of the recently opened Milkshake Factory at 4747 Research Forest Drive, Suite 196.

The gathering ran from 4 to 6 p.m. Ryan McCarty of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office spoke with adults and children, answered questions and showed young attendees sheriff-themed activity materials.

Christy Miller of The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Services Department said the department focuses on public safety, education and partnerships with residents.

The department works with the sheriff’s office to visit businesses, parks and neighborhoods, where representatives provide information and speak directly with residents.

“We show up with information with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and answer questions, talk to residents, get to know each other,” Miller said. She said the department also hopes the gatherings help residents become more familiar with one another.

The event also introduced some residents to Milkshake Factory, which is owned by Lisa and Paul Winslow. The couple has lived in The Woodlands’ Sterling Ridge neighborhood since 2017.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

The Winslows opened the location May 4 and held its grand opening May 30. Paul Winslow said community engagement is part of the business’s franchise model and made the Township event a natural fit for the store.

“We’re very honored to be able to host the event,” he said.

Winslow said he and the store’s employees want customers to see the business as a place where they can enjoy themselves or find a small lift after a difficult day.

“We just want it to be people’s happy place,” he said.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Although shakes are featured in the business’s name, Winslow said customers are often surprised to learn that Milkshake Factory began as a chocolate company nearly 100 years ago. Shakes were added by the company’s fourth generation and later became a central part of its franchise concept.

“At the heart of it, we’re a chocolate company,” Winslow said, adding that the store makes chocolate at the location.

The Friday gathering gave residents a chance to visit a new neighborhood business while meeting the people involved in local public-safety and community outreach programs.

By The Woodlands Student Center Staff