Newsweek Names Kilwins The No. 1 Ice Cream Chain In 2026
Why settle for one sweet treat when a shop can offer a whole world of them? At Kilwins, guests can stop in for Original Recipe Ice Cream, watch fudge being paddled on marble tables, pick up a freshly dipped caramel apple, and find something special to take home. Our shops bring the best parts of a classic confectionery and ice cream store together, creating a destination for dessert lovers with different cravings and occasions, and an appealing franchise opportunity for those looking to bring that experience to their own communities. Now, Newsweek has named Kilwins the No. 1 Best Ice Cream Chain in its 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, adding fresh recognition as we continue our franchise expansion into new markets.
Ice cream accounts for more than 50% of Kilwins sales, making it a key part of our business. Our Original Recipe Ice Cream, super-premium quality, and rotating flavors give guests reasons to return, while our wider menu offers plenty to discove. That variety gives franchisees opportunities to connect with customers across seasons and occasions while building a business around a full destination for desserts and sweet treats.
Paired with our longstanding legacy, flexible store formats, and scalable business model, our award-winning ice cream and diverse dessert menu make Kilwins a standout franchise opportunity for owners ready to grow with a beloved brand.
Bringing Kilwins To New Communities Through Franchise Expansion
Kilwins has its sights set on Utah as a priority growth market, creating opportunities to bring our signature sweets to more customers in the state. But Utah is only one piece of our growth strategy. We’re also exploring opportunities in markets like Arizona, Texas, Florida, and Georgia, with potential to expand into additional areas where our unique mix of ice cream, premium chocolates, fudge, caramel, and other confections can find a new audience. With a strategic approach to market development and a franchise system built to support growth, we’re looking for partners ready to help bring the Kilwins experience to their communities.
We also know that no two retail markets are exactly alike. That’s why our traditional full-line shops are complemented by Kilwins Select, a smaller format store featuring a more focused product lineup and simplified buildout. This flexibility gives franchise owners more ways to explore locations, find an approach that fits their market, and tap into multi-unit growth on their terms.
And owners don’t have to figure it all out alone, either. Our expert franchise team provides support with store design and construction, training, marketing, and ongoing operations, helping franchisees navigate the process of bringing a Kilwins shop to life. With opportunities still available in select and growing markets, your neighborhood could be the next place where customers stop in for their favorite sweets.
Ready To Explore A Kilwins Franchise?
There’s a reason a trip to Kilwins can become part of a community’s routine, and that creates an appealing opportunity for franchise owners to build local connections. Kids might come in for a special treat, families can make a stop part of an afternoon out, and tourists often look for local favorites to enjoy along the way. Then there are the people popping in on their way home from work, meeting friends after a weekend outing, or simply craving something sweet. By bringing all those occasions together under one roof, Kilwins gives franchise owners a way to become part of the moments that make a dessert franchise feel like home.
With growing recognition and opportunities to bring Kilwins to new markets, now is a great time to explore what ownership could look like for you. Visit our franchise website to learn more about the opportunity, explore available markets, and complete our inquiry form to take the next step in bringing our legacy brand home. Join the country’s No. 1 ice cream chain and bring a little extra sweetness to your next business venture with a Kilwins franchise.