“Sweet in every Sense since 1947”
Kilwins Chocolates, Fudge & Ice Cream franchise has earned its legacy through quality treats that bring people together to celebrate sweet moments, feel cheer and experience a lift in spirits.
Our core values
Every day, we create the sweetest experiences by living our core values.
Treat others as you want to be treated: as sweet as our ice cream and desserts!
Do your best. We’re a team, and together we can strive to deliver the sweetest experience.
Have fun! Be like a kid in a candy store—because you are.
Over seventy years of sweet success
Our history in artisan sweets is what makes us the successful, authentic confectioners we are today.
1947
Don & Katy Kilwin purchased a bakery in Petoskey, MI and began making delicious baked goods and high-quality confections.
1965
The Kilwins purchased equipment to expand the business.
1971
The Kilwins sold the bakery side of the business and devoted themselves to making and selling confections.
1978
Wayne & Lorene Rose purchased Kilwins and opened stores in Harbor Springs, Mackinac Island, and Traverse City, Michigan.
1983
Kilwins began to expand its retail presence, opening the first franchised store.
1985
Kilwins adds Original Recipe Ice Cream to their sweet lineup.
1995
Don & Robin McCarty purchased Kilwins with ambitions to expand the brand and retail presence.
2005
Kilwins opens a second distribution center in Florida to service southern stores with a dedicated truck fleet.
2011
Kilwins began to make Heritage Chocolate, using Kilwins proprietary recipes.
2011
Kilwins Chocolate Kitchen & company retail store opened in Petoskey, Michigan.
2019
A new distribution center opened in Michigan, which now services the midwest, northeast, mid-Atlantic and western stores.
2020
Kilwins introduced a new smaller retail model, Kilwins Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop.
2023
Kilwins is purchased by Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, bringing resources to drive brand growth.
2024
Top in category with Entrepreneur Franchise 500 for the 8th year in a row.
1947
1965
The Kilwins purchase equipment that
expands their business.
1971
Don and Katy sell the bakery side of the business in order to focus on making hand-crafted chocolates.
1978
Meet the team
Brian Britton
President and Chief Executive Officer
Robin Burgan
Vice President of Finance, Secretary and Treasurer
Ron Brunette
Chief of Brand
and Design
Ron Galbreath
Director of Franchise
Development
Jeff Deming
Director of Franchise Relations
John Hudak
Director of Human Resources
George Fabis
Director of Information Technology
Joe Audia
General Manager, Kilwins Quality Confections, Inc.