The Ice Cream Market Is Growing. Are You Ready To Move?
Ice cream is one of those indulgences that never really goes out of style. It’s been a staple of American life for generations, woven into summer traditions, family outings, late-night cravings, and every celebration in between. That kind of cultural staying power isn’t something most food concepts can claim, and it’s a big part of what makes the decision to start an ice cream franchise such a compelling one right now. The demand was there yesterday, it’s here today, and every indicator points to it being stronger tomorrow.
The numbers back that up in a big way. According to the International Dairy Foods Association, ice cream makers in the U.S. churned out 1.23 billion gallons of ice cream in 2025 alone. Globally, Fortune Business Insights valued the ice cream market at $82.70 billion that same year, with projections putting it at $151.96 billion by 2034. That’s an industry with deep roots and serious momentum, and the window to plant your flag is wide open.
The Kilwins Model: Start an Ice Cream Franchise With a Proven Brand
Not all ice cream concepts are built the same. Kilwins has spent over 75 years earning a reputation for super-premium ice cream, in-store experiences guests remember, and a franchise model designed to support owners at every stage of the journey. Waffle cones made fresh daily, a rotating lineup of seasonal flavors alongside beloved fan favorites, and an atmosphere that draws guests back in aren’t just product features. They’re the foundation of a guest experience competitors find hard to match.
Beyond the menu, the Kilwins franchise model is built around giving owners what they need to hit the ground running. Operational support, marketing guidance, and distribution systems are all part of the package from day one. And it doesn’t stop at opening. Kilwins franchisees benefit from ongoing guidance as they grow, with a support structure that scales alongside them. Owners are never navigating alone, and that continuity of support is what keeps the model replicable whether you’re opening your first location or building toward your fifth.
The Menu and Experience That Sets Kilwins Apart
Ice cream has always been a cornerstone of the Kilwins experience, making up over 50% of our overall sales, but that’s only part of what makes our business opportunity so appealing. When you start an ice cream franchise with Kilwins, you’re not banking on a single season. Guests come in for a scoop year-round, and beyond the ice cream, they discover an entire world of hand-crafted confections, sweet treats, and giftable indulgences that give them a reason to return in every season. Every time a guest walks through the door, there’s either something new to find or something familiar to come back for.
That lineup spans hand-paddled fudge made fresh on marble tables, Kilwins Heritage Chocolates crafted from carefully sourced Fair Trade CertifiedTM chocolate, fresh caramel apples, caramel corn, salt water taffy, and gourmet gift assortments that drive traffic through the holidays. Waffle cones made fresh in-store daily bring guests through the door on scent alone. It’s a full dessert destination built around one simple idea: everyone can find something they love, and there’s always something worth coming back for.
For entrepreneurs, that kind of menu depth translates directly into opportunity. A diverse product lineup that resonates across seasons and occasions gives owners a business with built-in staying power, and a brand with generations of guest loyalty behind it gives that business a foundation that’s hard to replicate from scratch. Kilwins is also built with growth in mind. The same systems, support, and operational frameworks that help a first-time owner open their doors with confidence are the exact tools that make expansion a natural next step. With nearly 100 franchisees already operating multiple locations, the path to multi-unit franchise ownership is well-worn and well-supported.
Take the First Step With Kilwins
The ice cream market is growing, the consumer appetite is there, and Kilwins has the brand history, the product lineup, and the systems to back you up. The choice to start an ice cream franchise is a significant one, and it deserves a brand with the depth and experience to support it at every turn. With nearly eight decades of refinement behind the model, Kilwins brings the legacy and time-tested approach that gives new owners a genuine head start.
Ready to learn more? Visit our franchise website to dive deeper into the opportunity, then fill out our inquiry form to connect directly with our team. The opportunity is growing, and there’s a market out there waiting for a Kilwins with your name on it.