Kilwins logo
Chocolates, fudge, ice cream

Investment

$295,415

Initial Franchise Fee

$20,000 - $40,000

Units

178

Growth Rate

+16.3%

Overview About Investment Territories Support Operations Ranking History

Overview

Industry Food
Founded 1947
Franchising Since 1982
Parent Company Levine Leichtman Capital Partners
Leadership Brian Britton, CEO
# of Employees at HQ 125

Units and Growth Chart

About Kilwins

Treat yourself and indulge in opening a Kilwins franchise! From its beginning in 1947, Kilwin has offered premium kitchen-made ice cream, chocolates, and fudge. Everything is freshly prepared from original recipes and premium ingredients.

Kilwins has since been a prominent part of American cuisine with an excellent reputation for providing exceptional service and high-quality products, including caramel apples, fudge, chocolate bark, caramel corn, and brittle, to mention a few.

With in-store craftsmanship, high-quality desserts, and a friendly staff, Kilwins believes they have a customer-friendly environment that feels like home. Kilwins offers an authentic taste and a sensory experience like no other.

Why You May Want to Start a Kilwins Franchise?

Kilwins is an exciting and fun business with a seasoned business model. With more than 50 years of brand recognition, you may have a great customer base. You will likely not have to worry about marketing and branding costs because Kilwins typically takes care of this for its franchisees.

Franchisees have access to an extensive training and support team that will guide you throughout your entire time while in business. Kilwins may offer personalized support to new franchisees to help them achieve their goals. All your operating system methods and products might be specified and supplied by Kilwins. This will save you time to focus on running your store, leveraging your personality for customer care.

What Might Make Kilwins a Good Choice?

To be part of Kilwins team, you should make sure you’re financially ready for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. You should also be prepared for ongoing fees that will include advertising fees, royalty fees, and potential renewal fees. Franchisees will also need to meet Kilwins set net worth and liquid capital requirements.

While opening a Kilwins franchise could be a great opportunity, your investment is only as good as the effort you put into it. Your hard work as a franchisee and the quality of service you offer your customers are vital elements. 

How To Open a Kilwins Franchise

To become a part of the Kilwins team, you'll need to submit an inquiry form. A franchise representative may contact you if you seem to be a good fit for the brand. Then, suppose your net worth and available liquid capital match the brand’s requirements. In that case, you may qualify to open a Kilwins franchise, and you can get started with an initial investment.

As you decide if Kilwins is a good fit for you, it may be a good idea to contact an attorney or financial manager in order to ensure that you have the financial stability to run a franchise. You should also make sure you take time to explore the opportunity. Research the brand and your local area to see if a Kilwins franchise would do well in your community. While competition is healthy, too much of it may not allow for the most possible growth. Live the sweet life and submit your inquiry to open a Kilwins Franchise!

Investment Details

Initial Franchise Fee $20,000 - $40,000
Initial Investment $295,415 - $880,344
Net Worth Requirement $500,000
Cash Requirement $175,000
Royalty Fee 5%
Ad Royalty Fee 3%
Technology Fee $200/mo.
Term of Agreement 10 years
Is Franchise Term Renewable? Yes
Financing Third Party
Veterans Incentive $5,000 to $10,000 off franchise fee

Available Territories

Franchising opportunities available in the following regions

Training & Support Programs

Comprehensive training and ongoing support to help you succeed

Training

On the Job Training 56-157 hours
Classroom Training 27-43 hours

Ongoing Support

Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Lease Negotiation
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform

Marketing Support

Ad Templates
National Media
Regional Advertising
Social Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing
Loyalty Program/App

Operations & Requirements

Key operational details and requirements for running this franchise

Is absentee ownership allowed? Yes
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit? No
Can this franchise be run part time? No
# of employees required to run 6-10
Are exclusive territories available? Yes

Ranking History

Kilwins performance in the Franchise rankings over recent years

Find You Perfect Franchise Match

See which franchises fit your budget and have open territories near you.

Sign Up for Our Franchise Newsletter

Stay up to date on the latest news and trends affecting the franchise industry.

Related Franchise Content

Catch up on the latest franchise news, trends, and more.

Franchise

A Major Restaurant Operator Just Cashed Out of One of Its Biggest Brands — Here's Why

The sale marks a strategic shift — and is a sign of how fast-food giants are rethinking growth.

Franchise

These Are the Top Retail Franchises for 2025, According to the Franchise 500

These retail brands are proving there's still a big opportunity in brick-and-mortar franchising.

Franchise

Franchise Success Isn't Automatic — It's Earned. Here's How to Do It Right.

Many franchise candidates fall for the "it runs itself" myth. Here's why hands-on ownership is the only real path to success.

Franchise

Most Acquisitions Fail — Here's How to Make Yours the Exception

Buying a company is the easy part. The challenge is getting your new team to feel like part of the same firm.

Franchise

This Fast-Food Powerhouse Is Getting a Makeover. Here's What Customers Can Expect.

Wendy's is rolling out Project Fresh, a consumer-focused overhaul that promises faster drive-thrus, smarter ordering tech and a refreshed menu.

Franchise

A Water Wings Swim School Franchise Offers Year-Round Revenue Potential

Water Wings Swim School stands out as a franchise investment for mission-driven entrepreneurs seeking both purpose and profit.

See more franchise content
Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022