Kilwin's Chocolates Franchise

Founded: 1946 Franchising since: 1982
In 1947 Don and Katy Kilwin opened Kilwin's Bakery in Petoskey, Michigan. Soon after opening the bakery, the Kilwins began making candy. Six years later the Kilwins sold their bakery to focus on candy making full-time, and in 1978 sold the candy business to Wayne and Lorene Rose. The Roses began offering Kilwin's franchises in 1981.

Today Kilwin's Chocolates, now owned by Don and Robin McCarty, sells chocolates, fudge and ice cream from shops located in malls and strip centers across the country.

355 N. Division Rd. Petoskey, Michigan 49770

Phone: (231)439-0972

Franchisor is a privately-held company with 8 employee(s); 8 employee(s) in franchise department.

Franchise Growth

Year	U.S. Franchises	Canadian Franchises	Foreign Franchises	Company Owned
2009	68	0	0	2
2008	71	0	0	2
2007	66	0	0	1
2006	50	0	0	2
2005	43	0	0	4

Where Seeking Franchisees
Not available in the U.S.

Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: 1 mile or less

Total investment: $400K-600K Franchise fee: $40K

Ongoing royalty fee: 5% Term of agreement: 10 years, renewable

Type of Financing Available

	In-House	Third Party
Franchise Fee	No	Yes
Startup Costs	No	Yes
Equipment	No	Yes
Inventory	No	Yes
Accounts Receivable	No	Yes
Payroll	No	Yes

Qualifications
Net worth requirement: $500K
Cash liquidity requirement: $100K-120K
Business Experience:

• General business experience

Operations

• 28% of all franchisees own more than one unit
• Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6
• Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

Training

• Available at headquarters: 1 week
• At franchisee's location: 1 week

Ongoing Support

• Newsletter
• Grand opening
• Internet
• Security/safety procedures
• Field operations/evaluations

Other marketing support

• Promotions & marketing assistance

Franchise 500® rank:
#266 (2009); #260 (2008); #497 (2007);