Lower-investment model designed to bring Kilwins’ experiential retail format to more communities nationwide
PETOSKEY, Mich., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kilwins, the premium confectionery and ice cream franchise known for its hand-crafted chocolates, super-premium ice cream, and recognized as a leading chocolate franchise opportunity, announced the launch of its new Kilwins Select franchise model, a flexible, lower-investment pathway designed to expand access to franchise ownership while maintaining the quality products and guest experience the brand is famous for.
The Kilwins Select model features a smaller footprint, simplified build-out and a curated product assortment. The lower investment cost of Kilwins Select lowers barriers to entry while preserving the core elements that define the Kilwins experience.
“Kilwins Select represents the next evolution of our franchise opportunity,” said Brian Britton, president and CEO of Kilwins. “As we approach nearly 200 open and operating Kilwins locations nationwide, Kilwins Select will help us further accelerate our growth trajectory. We’ve created a model that allows more aspiring business owners to join our system without compromising the craftsmanship, hospitality and brand standards that have defined Kilwins for generations.”
Designed for efficiency and adaptability, the Kilwins Select model enables franchisees to operate with a reduced footprint and simplified operations while benefiting from the strength of an established brand. The format supports a faster path to opening and offers flexibility in real estate, making it well-suited for high-traffic retail destinations where traditional store formats may not be feasible.
Kilwins Select locations have the ability to operate as standalone units or complement full-line stores within a market. The new model locations feature a curated selection of top-performing products including confections and gifts, optimized for high-traffic environments and consistent year-round demand.
The new model opens the door for a broad range of franchisees, from first-time owners to experienced multi-unit franchising operators seeking a lower-cost entry point. All Kilwins franchise partners receive comprehensive support across key areas of the business, including development guidance, site selection, design and construction, training, marketing and ongoing operational support.
With the introduction of Kilwins Select, Kilwins is actively targeting expansion nationally, seeking qualified franchise partners to help bring the brand’s signature experiential retail model to new communities. Interested candidates can fill out this form to learn more about available territories and investment requirements.
About Kilwins:
Kilwins is renowned for its hand-crafted chocolates, creamy fudge, caramel apples, brittle, and super-premium ice cream. The brand has been making people happy since 1947, providing guests with warm, friendly service and a nostalgic confectionery experience. In each store, guests can enjoy watching fudge being paddled on a marble table and caramel cooking in a copper kettle, all in an open kitchen setting. The growing brand has nearly 200 locations nationwide, with new stores continuing to open in markets across the country. Kilwins has earned industry recognition, ranking No. 1 in the candy, ice cream and frozen desserts category in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500® for 10 consecutive years and being named USA TODAY’s 2026 No. 1 Best Dessert & Treat Chain and Newsweek’s 2026 No. 1 Best Ice Cream Chain. Kilwins is truly “Sweet in every Sense since 1947®.” For more information about Kilwins, visit https://www.kilwins.com. To learn more about franchising opportunities, visit https://www.kilwinsfranchise.com.
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SOURCE Kilwins
