Assorted Duck Donuts on a plate and a rubber duck on a blue background.

Buy a Duck Donuts Franchise

Duck Donuts is a popular franchise known for its made-to-order donuts and coffee, offering customers the unique experience of creating their own customized donuts with a variety of toppings and glazes. Founded in 2007 in Duck, North Carolina, the brand has grown to over 100 locations across the United States, becoming a favorite in the fast-casual dining sector. Duck Donuts emphasizes freshness, quality, and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere that keeps customers coming back. The franchise model is designed to support owners with comprehensive training, ongoing operational guidance, and marketing assistance. With an initial investment ranging from $300,000 to $500,000 and a royalty fee of 5% on gross sales, Duck Donuts provides a solid foundation for entrepreneurs looking to tap into the growing demand for unique dessert experiences. As consumer preferences shift towards more personalized and creative dining options, Duck Donuts is well-positioned for continued expansion and success.

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Why buy a Duck Donuts Franchise?

Duck Donuts presents a compelling franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs interested in the growing specialty dessert market. With an initial investment range of $300,000 to $500,000 and a royalty fee of 5%, franchisees gain access to a well-established, proven business model that includes comprehensive training, operational guidance, and marketing support. Duck Donuts’ made-to-order, customizable donuts appeal to consumers seeking personalized dining experiences, and the brand’s simple operations and multiple dayparts support steady revenue streams. For those looking to enter a fun and rewarding industry, Duck Donuts combines the universal appeal of donuts with a unique, customer-driven concept, making it an ideal choice for franchise ownership.

Duck Donuts Franchise Costs & Information

  • Minimum Qualifications

    • Estimated Initial Investment

      $396,566-$582,491

    • Net Worth

      $350,000

    • Liquid Capital

      $150,000

    Business experience 

    Hands-on ownership

    Two people sitting on a park bench, enjoying coffee and Duck Donuts from branded containers, with a focus on the food and their smiles.
  • Royalty

    • 6%

      of gross sales

    A young girl with a large bow in her hair excitedly looks at a box of various colorful Duck Donuts on a counter.
  • Training & Support

    • 1 week training program in-class and in-store at our Headquarters

    • 40 hours additional in-store training

    • Dedicated opening team from Head Office

    • Ongoing field support from Franchise Business Consultant

    A top-down view of a work desk with two people, assorted specialty donuts from Duck Donuts on a plate, a laptop, coffee cups, a smartphone, and office supplies.

Duck Donuts – Additional  Information

  1. Franchisee Support

    Duck Donuts provides extensive support to its franchisees to ensure their success in the fast-casual dining sector. New franchisees undergo a comprehensive 5-day intensive training course at the company's headquarters in Mechanicsburg, PA, covering all aspects of business operations. Ongoing support includes a dedicated operational business consultant, marketing assistance, and site selection help from an experienced internal real estate team. This robust support system empowers franchisees to manage their operations effectively.

  2. Accolades & Awards

    Duck Donuts has received numerous accolades that highlight its success in the fast-casual dining sector. In 2021, it was ranked #1 on Newsweek's list of America's Best Customer Service and recognized as one of America's Favorite Restaurant Chains in 2022. Additionally, Duck Donuts won the Franchise Times Zor Award in the Indulge Me category, emphasizing its appeal in the snack and treat franchise market. The brand's innovative approach and rapid expansion further solidify its reputation as a leader in the industry.

  3. Industry / Market

    The U.S. donut market is projected to grow to $12 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 5% from 2020. Duck Donuts, known for its warm, made-to-order donuts, has rapidly expanded to over 130 locations across 25 states and internationally. The brand's unique customization options and family-friendly in-store experience have helped it stand out in the competitive donut landscape, making it well-positioned to capture a significant share of this growing market.

  4. Ideal Owner

    The ideal Duck Donuts franchisee is an entrepreneur with a passion for providing made-to-order donuts and delivering excellent customer service. They should be customer-oriented, organized, and capable of managing a fast-paced retail environment. Experience in the food service industry or customer service is advantageous, along with strong marketing skills to promote the brand, engage with the community, and drive business growth.

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