Kilwins

The Kilwins franchise is a premium desserts brand based in Michigan. Founded in 1947 by Don and Katy Kilwin, the desserts franchise has expanded to over 150 locations across the U.S. Franchisees benefit from a proven system, a feel-good product and support and training from a brand with decades of experience. The brand values having fun, doing your best, and treating others how you want to be treated. Kilwins offers two formats which have modern material finishes, fixtures and equipment. These are modular for on-budget, and easy installation. Today, the Michigan-based ice cream business is looking to expand with qualified franchise partners around the country. 

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Kilwins Franchise Cost and Requirements for 2024

Background

If there's one thing that Americans can agree on it's that they have a sweet tooth. A franchise to consider is Kilwins. The brand was established in 1947 by Don and Kathy Kilwin, who had a reputation for providing high-quality chocolates, ice cream, and confections combined with excellent service. The franchise is built on three pillars: treat others the way you want to be treated; have fun; and do your best. The ideal franchisee is passionate about customers and giving back to the community. In addition to the traditional Kilwins Full Line Chocolates, Confectionery & Ice Cream Store with over 150 locations, there is also the Kilwins Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, which is smaller in comparison to the original. Franchisees benefit from a simple, proven system and support and training from a brand that has over 70 years of experience. They also benefit from a recognizable name, two franchised store formats and available territories. Kilwin locations should be located in areas with high pedestrian traffic; are where you take your family and friends when they come to visit; and are in tourist, resort and entertainment areas.
You can expect an initial training program that explains everything you need to know about properly running the business. This includes marketing and advertising, hiring, managing the books, and more. The franchisor will be there for you prior to your grand opening and continues to support and training you for the entirety of your time with the brand. Veterans are incentivized with $10,000 off the initial one-time franchise fee. 

Company Details

Headquarters: Petoskey, MI 49770
Canada: No
International: No
Absentee: No 
Mobile/home-based: No
B2B: No
Exclusive territory: Yes
Founded: 1947
First franchise: 1982 


Support and Training Offered By Kilwins

You can expect an initial training program that explains everything you need to know about properly running the business. This includes marketing and advertising, hiring, managing the books, and more. The franchisor will be there for you prior to your grand opening and continues to support and training you for the entirety of your time with the brand. 

2024 Franchise Requirements Needed to Own a Kilwins Franchise.

What does a Kilwins Franchise Cost?

Kilwins franchise fees for 2024:

Net Worth Requirement: $500,000
Cash Requirement: $125,000
Veteran Incentives: $10,000 off franchise fee
Initial Franchise Fee: $20,000 - $40,000
Initial Investment: $215,803 - $755,890

Is Kilwins a Semi Absentee Franchise with a Passive Ownership Opportunity?

No. Kilwins is not a semi absentee franchise. The owner of the franchise (the franchisee) is expected to be involved in all aspects of day-to-day operations.

Is Kilwins a Home Based franchise?

No. Kilwins is not a home based franchise opportunity.

What Do Kilwins Franchise Owners Make?

Click here to find out how much Kilwins franchisees make. Kilwins offers an Item 19 in their Franchise Disclosure Document which provides financial information about select franchisees in their franchise system.

Does Kilwins Offer a Veteran Discount?

Yes. Kilwins franchise does offer a veteran discount.

Is Kilwins Looking for Franchisees in Canada?

No. Kilwins franchise is not looking for Canada franchisees.

Is Kilwins Looking for International franchisees?

No. Kilwins franchise is not looking for International franchisees.

Where can I see Kilwins's FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document)?

Buying a Franchise Guide: What is a Franchise Disclosure Document?

When evaluating a franchise opportunity, reading and understanding the current version of their FDD is a necessity. Considering the benefits of franchising, such as established brand recognition and support from the franchisor, it's important to also take into account franchise fees and franchising royalty fees. Since most franchisors are privately owned companies, the current versions of their FDDs are typically not available unless requested directly from them.

Click here to connect with a Franchise Consultant who can help you obtain a copy quickly and for free. They can also guide you through the essential franchise questions to ask, ensuring you make a well-informed decision about your investment.

Additional Information

Additional Categories

Frozen Yogurt / Ice Cream

Number of Units Open

100+ UNITS

Cash Required

$100,000 - $250,000

Passive Franchise

No

Home Based Franchise

No

Item 19 Franchise

Yes

Veteran Discount

No

B2B

No

Franchise Opportunities in Canada

No

International Franchise Opportunities

No

Kilwins Franchises for Sale

Click Here to inquire about existing Kilwins franchises for sale. We may have Kilwins franchise resales. A franchise resale is an already established franchise owned by a franchisee and the franchisee is looking to sell their franchise.

The International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG) is an internationally recognized membership-based franchise organization. IFPG Franchise Consultants guide aspiring business owners through the process of identifying and investing in franchise businesses. The IFPG represents more than 550 franchises. We do not represent all franchises listed here. By clicking on "Request a Consultation," you are agreeing to be contacted by one of our Certified Franchise Consultants to discuss franchise ownership.

About our rankings: The IFPG uses its internal data collected from our membership portal to identify which franchises had the most activity in the past week. This ranking system is not based on franchise sales, franchisee success rates or number of units open. Our ranking system should not be used to make a decision on which franchise to buy it was solely created for internal purposes and for our IFPG Members.