To Emily Fradet, Kilwins means Christmas.
Fradet, a 19-year-old UF psychology sophomore, said she visits the sweets and ice cream store during the holidays in St. Augustine with family and friends.
This Sunday, a Kilwins store will open at 4949 Celebration Pointe Ave. in Celebration Pointe, a mixed-use development near the intersection of Interstate 75 and Archer Road, said Ralph Conti, one of the development’s partners.
Kilwins will be the first eatery to open in the development, with others, such as MidiCi The Neapolitan Pizza Company, planned to open in a couple of months, Conti said. The Regal movie theater, which is opening Sunday, will also sell food, as well as alcohol, Conti said.
Conti said Kilwins is a good fit for Celebration Pointe.
“They’re a very unique brand. They’ve been around a long time, and they have a following, so we’re excited to have them,” Conti said.
Ron Brunette, a Kilwins spokesperson, said the chain of about 130 stores makes its own chocolate and ice cream in Michigan and Ohio. Other items, such as fudge and caramel apples, are made fresh in the store, he said.
“We strive to make every single location unique,” Brunette said.
Fradet said she looks forward to enjoying Kilwins’ caramel apples again soon.
“It’s kind of different from a regular ice cream shop,” Fradet said. “It has a family atmosphere. It’s welcoming.”
Contact Robert Lewis at rlewis@alligator.org. Follow him on Twitter @Lewis__Robert.
