Kilwin's

Petoskey, Michigan

Kilwin's was founded in 1947 by Don and Katy Kilwin in Petoskey, Michigan starting as a bakery and candy shop focusing on high-quality ingredients and traditional methods like making fudge in copper kettles.  After selling the bakery side in 1971, they concentrated on confections, eventually selling the compnay to Wayne and Lorene Rose in 1978 who began franchising across Michigan in 1983 adding ice cream in 1985 and growing the brand significantly before selling to Don and Robin McCarty who continued expansion with the private equity firm, Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (LLCP) acquiring it in 2023.

The business grew subbstantially with over 60 locations by 2007, many in tourist areas.  In 2011, a dedicated Chocolate Kitchen and flagship store opened in beautiful Petoskey using historic copper kettles and marble slabs for production. 

Kilwins remains known for its commitment to traditional, artisanal candy-making, offering not only fudge, but caramel corn, caramel apples, high-quality Kilwins Heritage Chocolate and deliciouis TUTTLE Nut Caramels, truffles, brittle, chocolates and other confections right before your eyes through the glass in the retail store!  All crafted with original recipes and in a nostalgic, friendly atmosphere.  

A favorite among customers is almond toffee crunch. 

Don and Katy Kilwin

Kilwins values are simple:  Treat others as you want to be treated, do your best, and have fun!  These values translate directly to a culture of people who are driven to provide an exceptional confectionery experience.  Coupled with our high-quality products, in-store craftsmanship and genuinely friendly team members, we create an atmosphere that our customers want to visit again and again.  From sight to taste, touch, smell and sound a visit to Kilwins provides an authentic sensory and taste experience like none other.  Kilwins is where people celebrate, vacation and share the experience of life, family and gifting in a nostalgic Americana setting. 

"Sweet in every Sense since 1947"

Kilwins is made up of over 160 franchises with stores in 28 states.