Kilwins Aims to Expand Presence in East Tennessee with New Locations

Kilwins Eyes Expansion in East Tennessee

Kilwins, the beloved confectionery and ice cream franchise, is planning to broaden its presence in East Tennessee. Known for its hand-crafted sweets and nostalgic charm, the brand is looking at cities such as Chattanooga, Pigeon Forge, and the Tri-Cities as ripe locations for new stores. If successful, this strategic expansion could potentially double Kilwins' footprint in the state.

Brian Britton, the president and CEO of Kilwins, expressed excitement about this move. He stated, “We’re actively exploring opportunities to expand Kilwins’ presence across the vibrant and welcoming state of Tennessee. Tennessee is a state that embraces tradition, community, and shared experiences—values that align perfectly with our brand.”

The company aims to capture a slice of the thriving local economy, particularly in Chattanooga, which has been witnessing a remarkable uptick in business growth. According to a 2024 report from HERE Chattanooga, over 73,000 new business entities filed with the Tennessee Secretary of State last year. With its diversified economy, low unemployment rates, and a favorable environment for businesses, Chattanooga is quickly becoming a hub for both startups and established brands.

Kilwins is strategically positioned within this market momentum, as it already has successful stores in Franklin, Gatlinburg, and Nashville. Leading this expansion initiative is Ashley Clark, a passionate multi-unit franchisee managing six Kilwins locations, including two in Tennessee. Her personal connection to the brand began when her father encouraged her to consider ownership, demonstrating his love for its products.

Clark shared, “I fell in love with Kilwins when my dad pitched the idea of owning a franchise because of his love of their products. Now, as a franchisee and a beloved customer, I have the privilege of helping expand the brand. Tennessee is full of communities that reflect the spirit of Kilwins—family-friendly, thriving, and full of heart. I’d love to see Kilwins become part of its fabric and bring more people into the magic of the brand.” She emphasizes that Kilwins isn’t merely a sweets shop; it’s a place where cherished memories are created.

Kilwins adopts a franchise model that is highly regarded for its comprehensive support system and appealing earnings potential, making it attractive to individuals interested in establishing a community-centric business. This includes career changers eager to create a legacy as well as seasoned entrepreneurs seeking a joyful and unique concept. Those interested in joining the Kilwins family can find more details about available territories and the associated investment requirements on their official website.

Founded in 1947, Kilwins has built a reputation for offering high-quality hand-crafted chocolates, creamy fudge, caramel apples, and super-premium ice cream, all made from the finest ingredients. The brand is dedicated to delivering warm, friendly service alongside a nostalgic confectionery experience, where customers can enjoy the sights and smells of fudge being paddled on marble tables and caramel bubbling in copper kettles—all in an inviting open kitchen setting.

Since its inception, Kilwins has steadily increased its number of locations, now boasting 175 stores nationwide. For nine consecutive years, it has ranked #1 in its category in Entrepreneur magazine’s prestigious Franchise 500 list, solidifying its status as a leader in the confectionery space. Kilwins continues to thrive on its motto of being “Sweet in every Sense since 1947.”

To learn more about Kilwins, visit kilwins.com. For insights regarding franchising opportunities, please explore kilwinsfranchise.com.