Ranked in the Top 100 Franchise Brands for Multi-Unit Franchise Ownership
With a decades-long history filled with generations of loyal guests, nostalgic moments, and an experiential concept complete with the sights and aromas of fresh waffle cones and super-premium ice cream, hand-paddled fudge, and rich caramel apples, Kilwins continues to give growth-minded franchisees an opportunity to start a business with lasting appeal. But with a recent feature in Entrepreneur’s 2026 Top Brands for Multi-Unit Owners, the scalability and support of our franchise ownership system are highlighted by the industry on a national scale, showcasing what it means when a franchise brand with real roots continues to gain momentum and give franchisees a chance to expand with it.
This marks the first year Kilwins was featured in the annual ranking, earning the #96 spot and highlighting the supportive path we provide for owners looking to expand their portfolios. The ranking includes 150 different franchise brands and considers several factors, including the number of multi-unit franchise owners in each system.
Landing in the top 100 puts a spotlight on the depth of opportunity across Kilwins, with 40% of franchises being multi-unit owner-operated. That level of ownership reflects the scalability of our franchise system, along with the guidance, ongoing support, and brand strength that continue to set Kilwins apart in the franchise industry.
The Scalable Path to Growth with Kilwins
This kind of recognition doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of a refined system, proven business model, and franchise support that covers all the bases of multi-unit franchise ownership. With Kilwins, owners aren’t left to figure things out as they go. Instead, they gain a dedicated partner that follows them with every new unit opened. Buildout support, training, controlled distribution, flexible store formats, and ongoing guidance are all baked into the opportunity, which is especially important for owners growing past their first franchise.
Add in a diverse menu of sweet treats that all ages and markets can enjoy, and you’ll see why Kilwins continues to gain recognition from the industry and from franchise owners excited to expand—Original Recipe ice cream in signature and rotating flavors, giftable assortments, caramel cooked in traditional copper kettles, nut brittle, Kilwins Heritage Chocolate. We’re a one-stop shop for tourists, families, and friends to satisfy their sweet tooth with an in-store experience that keeps them coming back for more. For franchisees, this guest appeal only adds to the scalability of the proven Kilwins model.
Start Your Franchise Journey Today
Are you ready to learn what stepping into ownership with Kilwins could mean for you? From multi-unit franchise ownership to comprehensive support and a menu that wins with guests, we’ve already done the heavy lifting for you to explore business ownership, even if you don’t have a franchising or retail background.
To get started, we encourage you to explore our franchise website for more information on startup costs, our brand history, and what you can expect as a franchise owner. Starting the conversation with our team begins with filling out our inquiry form. From there, we’ll reach out to learn more about you and help you bring the joy of Kilwins to your community.