---
title: "Kilwins Targets Utah for Expansion as Priority Growth Market"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/93e31019-632d-4ef9-a614-a057fc85c236
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20260928_kilwins_targets_utah_for_expansion_as_priority_growth_market.html
category: "Snacks & dessert"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Snacks & dessert"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2026-09-28T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T22:32:23.427Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1551836022-deb4988cc6c0?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Kilwins Targets Utah for Expansion as Priority Growth Market

**TL;DR:** Kilwins has identified Utah as a priority market for expansion, aiming to grow its nearly 200-location brand nationwide. The company is introducing a new franchise model, Kilwins Select, to complement its traditional stores and create new opportunities in high-traffic retail environments.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2026-09-28. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20260928_kilwins_targets_utah_for_expansion_as_priority_growth_market.html).*

## Story

PETOSKEY, Mich. — Kilwins has identified Utah as a priority market for expansion as the nearly 200-location brand continues its nationwide growth.

"The wonderful state of Utah brings together a growing population, strong visitor traffic and an active retail environment, along with a strong appreciation for premium sweet treat experiences, making it a terrific place for Kilwins," said Brian Britton, president and CEO of Kilwins.

The Utah expansion comes as Kilwins introduces Kilwins Select, a lighter asset franchise model designed to complement the brand's traditional full-line stores and create new opportunities in high-traffic retail environments. Featuring a smaller footprint (600 sq.ft.), simplified build-out and curated product assortment, Kilwins Select lowers barriers to entry while maintaining the craftsmanship, hospitality and experiential elements that have defined the brand for generations.

“Kilwins Select gives us another way to thoughtfully expand the brand into markets where we see significant potential,” said Kelli Schroeder, chief development officer of Kilwins. “The smaller footprint and greater real estate flexibility create new possibilities for franchisees to develop multiple locations while still delivering the quality, hospitality and memorable guest experience that consumers expect from Kilwins.”

Kilwins is seeking qualified franchise partners interested in developing both its traditional and Kilwins Select formats in Utah, with an emphasis on experienced multi-unit operators who understand local real estate, retail and consumer demand. Franchise partners receive comprehensive support across development, site selection, design and construction, training, marketing and ongoing operations.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- unit expansion (topic)
- Retail (sector)
- franchise model (topic)
- market growth (topic)
- Utah (location)
- Kilwins (company)
- Brian Britton (person)
- Kelli Schroeder (person)
- retail environment (topic)

---
Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20260928_kilwins_targets_utah_for_expansion_as_priority_growth_market.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/93e31019-632d-4ef9-a614-a057fc85c236).