[EXCLUSIVE] Fudge, Chocolates, Caramel Apples and More Are Coming to Reynoldstown

A new spot for sweet treats is coming to Reynoldstown.  Planning materials confirm that a new Kilwins franchise is coming to the Publix-anchored Madison Yards shopping center where it will occupy a 1,000 square foot space along Bill Kennedy Way.  

The new Kilwins will open in place of Four Fat Cows (907 Memorial Drive #116), a locally owned ice cream shop that closed its entire company at the end of 2023.  Four Fat Cows opened in June 2020 in a space originally leased to the ill-fated Steel City Pops out of Birmingham, Alabama.  

Known for their caramel apples, chewy caramels and crunchy brittles, among other offerings, the new shop marks the Petoskey, Michigan-based chain's sixth location in the greater metro Atlanta area. 

Often found in tourist heavy destinations, Kilwins is clearly looking to capitalize on visitors to the Atlanta BeltLine Southeast Trail which runs alongside the shop on Bill Kennedy Way.   

Kilwins is at least the third dessert-centric shop to open in the area, joining existing locations of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams (925 Garrett Street) and Westside Creamery's Sweet Spot (416 Bill Kennedy Way), which opened this past October in place of the short-lived yAAAs Cookies.   

Local Kilwins franchises are currently open in TOWN Brookhaven in Brookhaven, Atlantic Station in Atlanta, Alpharetta City Center and Halcyon in Alpharetta, and Chambers Street in downtown Woodstock.  There are also Kilwins in Gainesville, Columbus, and Dahlonega.  The company previously operated a franchise in Savannah, too.   

Established in 1947 in Petoskey, Michigan, Kilwins has grown to include more than 160 franchises across 28 states, according to the company's website.  The company was purchased in March 2023 by Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, a Los Angeles-based private-equity firm.  

Kilwins opening at Madison Yards follows the March 2024 opening of Eden Smoothies at the complex in place of the short-lived Jamba.  

A former 2,000 square foot Hoots restaurant in the complex remains empty following its June 2024 closure amidst a wave of closures from struggling parent company Hooters.  Something called Casa Coya is apparently opening in place of the former 3,520 square foot Salt Factory Pub.    

Have you ever been to Kilwins?  Are you pleased to see Kilwins coming to Reynoldstown?  What other shops or eateries would you like to see open in Reynoldstown?  

Please share your thoughts below.