The Kilwins in downtown Grand Rapids that closed earlier this year has re-opened under new ownership.

Kilwins Grand Rapids re-opened at 146 Monroe Center St. NW in the McKay Tower on Monday.

The Petoskey-based chain serves “hand-crafted” chocolates, as well as homemade Mackinac Island fudge, ice cream and other treats.

The location is co-owned by four couples: Bob Kaser and Rosalie Kaser; Brian Tierney and Heidi Tierney; Andy Young and Maria Young; and Mark Beaufait and Stacey Beaufait. The former three couples also own the Kilwins in East Grand Rapids’ Gaslight Village.

“We have enjoyed owning the store in East Grand Rapids and are thrilled to expand into downtown Grand Rapids, one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant of any U.S. city,” said Rosalie Kaser, who oversees operations at both of the group’s franchises.

“Our entire ownership group has been settled in the Grand Rapids area for a good number of years. We have all raised our kids here, own businesses here and are highly committed to West Michigan.”

The previous franchisee closed the store in January.

Stacey Beaufait will manage the store, which has 20 employees who are either new hires or transferred from the East Grand Rapids shop.

Kilwins Grand Rapids is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Kilwins, founded in 1947, has nearly 120 locations, including shops in Grandville, Holland and Grand Haven.