The chocolates and ice cream franchise is debuting a new store model.
By Andrew Carlo
Kilwins, the franchise specializing in hand-crafted chocolates, deserts and ice cream, said it saw significant growth this past year.
The brand ended 2025 with the opening of 19 new locations while seeing a 10% increase in year-over-year store count. The year also brought 31 new franchise agreements. Kilwins reports that it now has 187 stores in 29 states.
In the fourth quarter of the year, Kilwins broke company records by opening nine new locations in the three-month period. This includes openings in Dallas, Texas, owned by franchisee Shaikh Kadar, and in Emerald Isle, N.C., owned by franchisee Paul Musco.
“Closing out the year with this level of momentum is a testament to the strength of our franchise system and the enduring appeal of the Kilwins brand,” said Brian Britton, CEO of Kilwins. “This growth reflects not only how much people love the Kilwins brand but also the strong economics that make multi-unit ownership such a great opportunity within the Kilwins system. With the franchise industry expected to grow roughly 5% in 2026, conditions are even more favorable for Kilwins to expand its footprint and bring hand-crafted sweets to new communities.”
December openings featured new locations in Boca Raton and Ocala, Florida., Northville, Michigan., Willis Square and Canton, Georgia, Arlington, Virginia., and Webster Groves, Missouri.
“Kilwins’ proven model and strong franchisee support made opening a store in Midland an easy decision for us,” said Betsy Wells, franchise owner of Kilwins in Midland, Texas. “The brand’s products and in-store experience resonate with families year-round, and Texas’ strong demand makes the brand a natural fit. We’re excited to share the Kilwins experience with our community and support the brand’s continued expansion across Texas.”
The brand said it expects to open a new location in Austin, Texas’s East Village neighborhood in early 2026 and continue building its presence in the state over the next three years. Within Texas, three sites have been identified and 10 additional site searches are underway.
Kilwins also said that it is pursuing growth in Arizona and New Mexico, supported by the planned introduction of a smaller-footprint store model in 2026. The new model is designed to help the brand enter new markets while attracting experienced franchise operators.
Kilwins said it is actively seeking multi-unit franchise owners looking to diversify their portfolios and join the brand’s nationwide expansion.
For more information about franchise opportunities with Kilwins, visit https://www.kilwinsfranchise.com/.
