Kilwins Chocolates Franchise, Inc.

The transfer fee of $30,000 is significantly higher than the typical range of $7,500-$17,500 for comparable franchises. What justification does the franchisor provide for this higher fee, and is it negotiable?

Can you provide details about the single litigation case where Kilwins was the plaintiff? What was the nature of the dispute, outcome, and how was it resolved?

The 2024 data shows 5 unit closures and 5 additional ceases (10 total exits). What are the primary reasons franchisees cited for these closures, and did any closures result from franchisor non-support?

The renewal conditions include 10 specified requirements, exceeding the typical 7-9 for this franchise type. What are these 10 conditions, and how subjective is the franchisor's determination of compliance?

Financial Performance scores 66/100, above the typical range. Can you clarify what specific Item 19 metrics or thresholds contributed to this above-average score?

The franchise agreement requires personal guarantees from franchisees and their current and future spouses. How is the 'future spouse' language enforced, and has this provision created disputes?

All products and approved items must be sourced exclusively from the franchisor or approved designees. What is the franchisor's markup on required products, and how frequently are approved suppliers changed?

Overdue amounts accrue interest at 18% per annum. Has this interest rate been applied to franchisees, and have there been disputes over payment timing or amounts owed?

The franchise agreement contains a 30-day cure period for defaults, but 15 defaults are apparently non-curable. What are these 15 non-curable defaults, and how easily can a franchisee inadvertently trigger them?

The post-term non-compete is 2 years within 10 miles. Has the franchisor actively enforced this restriction, and have there been legal challenges to its scope or duration?

Renewal requires meeting 10 specified conditions. What percentage of franchisees have successfully renewed their agreements, and have any franchisees been denied renewal?

Support & Training scores exceptionally high at 100/100. What specific training programs and ongoing support does Kilwins provide, and how are these delivered (in-person, online, frequency)?

The regional advertising requirement is mentioned in the legal summary. Are franchisees required to participate in national advertising campaigns, and if so, is this in addition to the 3% ad fund?

Can you provide a breakdown of the 5 closures and 5 'other ceases' in 2024? Were these voluntary shutdowns or franchisor-directed terminations?

Investment Costs score 56/100, below the typical range of 75/100. What does this score reflect—is the initial investment lower or higher than expected, and what factors drive this rating?

Ongoing Fees score 65/100, above the typical 62/100. Does this reflect the combined 8% royalty and ad fund rate (5% + 3%), or are there additional ongoing costs not detailed in the FDD?

Are there any seasonal performance expectations or minimum sales requirements communicated informally, even though the agreement specifies no minimum sales performance requirement?

For units that transferred in 2023-2024 (24 total), what were the primary reasons for sale, and did incoming franchisees operate successfully or eventually close?

The franchisor must indemnify and hold harmless but franchisees must indemnify the franchisor. How is liability allocation handled in disputes between the franchisor and franchisee?

Can you provide contact information for at least 10 current and 5 former franchisees, particularly those who closed in 2024, to discuss their experiences with the system?