Kilwins

Kilwins began in 1947 when Don and Katy Kilwin opened a small bakery in Petoskey, Michigan, with a simple goal: to create high-quality baked goods and confections, paired with exceptional service. Over time, the business evolved, focusing on hand-crafted chocolates, fudge, and ice cream that would become the hallmark of the Kilwins brand. From the beginning, their commitment to quality and Guest experience set Kilwins apart.

Since 1965, we’ve been expertly molding and enrobing chocolates using proven processes, enhanced over time with advanced chocolate milling equipment that allows us to develop our own unique chocolate blends. Producing high-quality chocolate is a long, detailed journey that begins with cocoa beans and ends with expertly enrobed or molded chocolates in our stores.

Our entire team takes pride in Kilwins’ heritage and craftsmanship. We love what we do and take great care in creating the chocolates and confections you enjoy. Today, Kilwins continues that tradition by combining hand-crafted, high-quality products with a friendly, Guest-focused experience. Supported by a community of caring franchisees, Kilwins stores offer an authentic sensory journey, from sight and smell to taste, touch, and sound, where Guests can savor treats, watch many of the treats being made, celebrate special moments, and share time with family and friends.

At the heart of the Kilwins brand are simple values: treat others as you want to be treated, do your best, and have fun. These values guide a culture of team members and store owners who are passionate about creating memorable experiences. Coupled with in-store craftsmanship and rich, Fair Trade Certified™ Chocolate made in the U.S.A., every visit to Kilwins is a celebration of quality, community, and nostalgia.

The growing brand has over 185 locations and has earned industry recognition, ranking #1 in the candy, ice cream and frozen desserts category in Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500® for 10 consecutive years.