Kilwins Franchise
Handcrafted Chocolates, Fudge & Ice Cream—Kilwins delivers joy in every bite since 1947.
$175,000
$40,000
172
1981
Petoskey,MI
Brian Britton
About Kilwins
Established Legacy – Founded in 1947, Kilwins has become a beloved brand known for handcrafted chocolates, fudge, caramel, and original recipe ice cream.
Proven Business Model – Decades of experience and brand recognition support a turnkey franchise system designed for long-term success.
Multiple Revenue Streams – Franchisees benefit from diverse offerings: gourmet chocolates, fresh fudge made in-store, specialty confections, and premium ice cream.
High-Margin Products – Specialty sweets and indulgence items drive strong profit potential with steady demand across all seasons.
Community Destination – Kilwins stores are designed to be experiential, drawing in customers with open kitchens, in-store fudge making, and irresistible aromas.
Strong Support System – Franchisees receive comprehensive training, marketing programs, operational guidance, and ongoing corporate support.
Scalable Growth – Opportunities for single-unit or multi-unit ownership, with prime territories available in desirable markets.
Customer Loyalty – Kilwins is more than a store—it’s a tradition. Generations of families return for celebrations, gifts, and everyday indulgence.
In short: Owning a Kilwins franchise means stepping into a time-honored brand with multiple income streams, built-in community appeal, and the backing of a supportive, experienced franchisor.
Franchise Unit Trends & Revenue
172
15
$933,138
* in 2024
Franchise Fees
$40,000
Veteran's Fee: $15,000 - $30,000
5.0%
Gross Sales
3.0%
Gross Sales
Why Choose Kilwins?
For more than 75 years, Kilwins has delighted communities with handcrafted chocolates, made-in-store fudge, original recipe ice cream, and timeless confections. As a franchisee, you’ll be joining a legacy brand that blends tradition, experience, and innovation to create sweet success.
Proven Legacy – Founded in 1947, Kilwins is an iconic brand with national recognition and multi-generational customer loyalty.
Multiple Revenue Streams – Franchisees benefit from gourmet chocolates, specialty confections, fudge cooked right in front of customers, and premium ice cream—all designed to maximize sales and customer visits.
Community Destination – Stores are experiential, creating memorable in-store experiences that keep families returning again and again.
Strong Unit Economics – High-margin indulgence items paired with repeat business create attractive average sales potential.
Training & Support – From site selection and buildout to operations, marketing, and ongoing field support, franchisees receive comprehensive guidance every step of the way.
Ease of Ownership – With streamlined systems, multiple ownership models, and scalable growth opportunities, Kilwins is designed to fit entrepreneurs at different levels of experience.
Owning a Kilwins franchise means more than running a store—it’s about creating a community hub for celebrations, traditions, and indulgent treats while building a profitable business with the backing of one of the most respected names in specialty confections.
Starting Costs & Investment Requirements
$513,484 - $880,343
$500,000
$175,000
Training & Support
At Kilwins, we know that most franchisees come from diverse backgrounds, which is why our comprehensive training program is designed to give you confidence from day one. New owners attend a multi-week training course at our corporate headquarters and in a certified training store, where you’ll learn everything from day-to-day operations and staff management to in-store fudge making, chocolate production, and customer service best practices.
Once your store is preparing to open, our experienced field support team assists with site selection, store design, build-out, and your grand opening launch to set you up for success. You’ll also benefit from marketing support, including national campaigns, local store marketing guidance, and access to brand-approved materials to help drive traffic.
But support doesn’t stop after opening. Kilwins provides ongoing operational support through regional field consultants, regular training updates, and continued access to new product rollouts and seasonal promotions. Franchisees also join a collaborative network of peers who share best practices and insights.
With Kilwins, you’re never alone—we provide the training, tools, and support you need to operate your store efficiently, delight customers, and grow your business with confidence.
History
Founded in 1947 in Petoskey, Michigan, Kilwins began as a small mom-and-pop bakery and candy shop created by Don and Katy Kilwin. What started with handcrafted confections and fresh-baked treats quickly evolved into a specialty chocolate and fudge destination, loved by the local community and visitors alike. In the early years, Don’s reputation for quality, craftsmanship, and hospitality laid the foundation for the Kilwins brand experience that endures today.
Over the decades, Kilwins has grown from its humble beginnings into a nationally recognized name in premium chocolates, homemade fudge, and original recipe ice cream. The company began franchising in the 1980s and has since expanded into communities across the United States, delighting generations of families with memorable in-store experiences and indulgent treats. With more than 75 years of history, Kilwins continues to thrive as a community-focused franchise built on tradition, quality, and joy—offering franchisees the opportunity to carry forward a legacy brand with proven systems and strong consumer demand.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Kilwins franchisee is a motivated entrepreneur who is passionate about creating joyful customer experiences and building a business rooted in community. You don’t need prior foodservice or retail ownership experience to succeed—our training and support programs provide the foundation. What matters most is your ability to lead a team, follow proven systems, and engage with customers.
People-Oriented – Enjoys interacting with guests and creating memorable, community-centered experiences.
Business-Minded – Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to manage operations, staff, and financial performance.
Detail-Oriented – Commitment to maintaining quality, consistency, and brand standards in every product and every store interaction.
Growth-Motivated – Eager to build a profitable business with opportunities for multi-unit ownership.
Community-Connected – Passionate about becoming a local destination where families and friends gather to celebrate life’s sweet moments.
Kilwins franchisees are driven by both business opportunity and the satisfaction of delighting customers. With comprehensive support, ongoing training, and a time-tested brand, motivated owners can thrive in bringing Kilwins’ tradition of handcrafted chocolates, fudge, and ice cream to their communities.