Kilwins facts for kids
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A Kilwins in Madison, Wisconsin
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| Privately held company | |
| Industry | Confectionery production |
| Founded | Petoskey, Michigan (1947) |
| Founder | Don & Katy Kilwin |
| Headquarters | , |
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Number of locations
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146 |
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Area served
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United States |
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Key people
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Don McCarty, CEO |
| Products | Chocolates, ice cream |
Kilwins is an American company famous for making delicious sweets. They specialize in treats like candy, ice cream, and fudge. The first Kilwins store opened in 1947 in Petoskey, Michigan. It was started by a couple named Katy and Don Kilwin. Today, the company's main office is still in Petoskey. You can find Kilwins stores in 146 locations across 25 states in the United States.
The Sweet History of Kilwins
Kilwins began its journey in 1947. Don and Katy Kilwin opened their first shop in Petoskey, Michigan. It was first called "Kilwin's Candies and Gifts." At first, it was a small family business that made both baked goods and candy.
Just one year later, in 1948, they started making their own fudge right in the store. This became a very popular item! In 1971, the Kilwins decided to focus only on candy. They sold off the bakery part of their business.
A second Kilwins store opened in 1976 in Traverse City, Michigan. This store was opened by Jim Szocinski, who had worked for the company since 1961.
In 1978, Don and Katy Kilwin sold the company to Wayne and Lorene Rose. Three years later, in 1981, the Roses started a new idea: franchising. This meant other people could open their own Kilwins stores.
The company was sold again in 1995 to Don and Robin McCarty. They helped Kilwins grow even more. By 2007, there were over 60 Kilwins stores. As of 2020, there are more than 150 stores across 25 states. Many of these stores are in fun places like tourist spots and beaches.
How Kilwins Makes Its Treats
Kilwins is best known for its yummy chocolates, creamy fudge, and tasty ice cream. But they also make many other sweets! These include chocolate barks, crunchy brittles, various candies, chocolate clusters, chewy taffy, rich truffles, and chocolate-covered pretzels. They even cover Oreos and Rice Krispies treats in chocolate!
When you visit a Kilwins store, you can often watch the staff making the sweets. It's like a show! They use special marble tables to help cool the fudge from the bottom. This helps the fudge get its perfect texture. The ice cream, however, is made at the company's main factory in Petoskey. Many people describe Kilwins' treats as "old-fashioned sweets" because they remind them of classic candy shops.
Kilwins Gives Back
The owners of Kilwins, Don and Robin McCarty, also care about helping others. They helped start a group called South Africa Medical Expedition (SAME). This group helps children, women, and families in a village in South Africa. They especially focus on kids who are struggling or affected by health issues.
