Kilwin's Chocolates vs The Fudge Company Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Kilwin's Chocolates vs The Fudge Company including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Kilwin's Chocolates Franchise
The Fudge Company Franchise
Investment $177,534 - $937,415$32,000 - $45,000
Franchise Fee $20,000 - $40,000$12,500 - $15,000
Royalty Fee 5%3%
Advertising Fee 1%-
Year Founded 19471978
Year Franchised 19821981
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Kilwin's Chocolates Franchise
The Fudge Company Franchise
Experience -
  • Retail experience preferred
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Kilwin's Chocolates Franchise
    The Fudge Company Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/No
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Kilwin's Chocolates Franchise
    The Fudge Company Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 173 hours Classroom Training: 43 hours Additional Training: Online training; store visits -
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet PlatformGrand opening
    Marketing Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Email marketing-
    Operations 10% of all franchisees own more than one unit.
    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6 - 10
    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators)
    		 20% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3

    95% of current franchisees are owner/operators

    Expansion Plans
     
    Kilwin's Chocolates Franchise
    The Fudge Company Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Kilwin's Chocolates

    Since 1947 Kilwins has been a celebrated part of Americana having earned a reputation for providing high quality products and excellent service. Our heritage was built on the simple premise of creating our products from the finest ingredients and providing customers with great service. Today we continue the tradition by uniquely combining high quality products with a warm friendly customer experience that is supported through a successful community of caring owner operators. We continue to offer the finest quality traditional down-home confections and ice cream that are kitchen made fresh from premium ingredients and original recipes.

    Seeking new franchise units in the following regions/states:
    Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia

    Veteran Incentives  $10,000 off franchise fee
    "Entrepreneur
    #105 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #121 in Franchise 500 for 2021.






    About The Fudge Company

    Based in Charlevoix, Michigan, The Fudge Company began in 1978 and started franchising in 1981.