Award-Winning 3-Store Duck Donuts Franchise
Duck Donuts franchise for sale in Cary, North Carolina
List Price: $500,000 USD
Key Facts
Annual Gross Revenue
$1,919,405 USD
Cash Flow
$150,000 – $200,000
Seasonal Business
No
Value of Inventory
$25,000 – $50,000
Value of Assets
$150,000 – $200,000
Year Established
2014
Business Operates From
A retail location
Location Is
Leased
Approx. Monthly Rent
$18,000
Total Employees
25–50
1–3 MonthsTransition
Support
SomewhatPrice/Terms
Flexibility
NoneSeller financing Available
Part-timeOwner
Involvement
About this Business
For the past 12 years, the current owner has built a highly successful three-store Duck Donuts operation, earning the brand’s first-ever Franchisee of the Year award in 2022 for outstanding leadership and execution. Today, the business includes three profitable locations across the Raleigh-Durham market that generated nearly $1.9 million in revenue and approximately $187,000 in cash flow last year.
The business already has the pieces that take years to build. Each store has its own General Manager, experienced team, and loyal customer base. The locations have consistently been recognized among the franchise system’s top performers, while weekly catering business, strong community relationships, local “Best Of” awards, and years of taking care of customers have built a reputation that’s difficult to replicate.
The foundation is already in place. A new owner can focus on growing the business through expanded marketing, community partnerships, the recently relaunched Duck Donuts loyalty program, and thoughtful pricing rather than rebuilding operations. The owner is selling because of a life and family shift, creating a rare opportunity to step into a business that has already proven what it can do.
Inquire through this platform only. Expect to complete a brief pre-qualification and NDA before receiving additional information.
Growth opportunities
This business has room to grow by building on an already successful operation. The owner has intentionally reduced time spent on marketing and community outreach to focus on family, creating opportunities to expand local advertising, social media, school and nonprofit partnerships, catering, fundraising programs, and business relationships. The recently relaunched Duck Donuts loyalty app and thoughtful pricing adjustments also provide practical ways to increase customer visits and sales.
Owner's Day-to-Day Involvement
The current owner works approximately 30 hours per week, focusing on marketing, catering, financial oversight, customer experience, and community relationships while the General Managers and store teams handle day-to-day operations. The ideal new owner is a hands-on people person who will learn every part of the business, support the teams, build relationships, and make the stores a fun place for employees and customers.
Asset Description
Includes all assets required to operate the 3 stores, estimated value of $190,000. This includes commercial donut fryers, ovens, walk-in and undercounter coolers and freezers, steam tables, a fire suppression hood system, coffee brewers, espresso machines, POS systems, stainless steel prep tables, shelving, sinks, customer seating, retail displays, and other furniture, fixtures, and equipment. The newest Raleigh Lake Boone location was recently built and includes like-new equipment.
Inventory Description
The stores also maintain approximately $30,000 in inventory, including food ingredients, paper products, uniforms, retail merchandise, and other supplies required for day-to-day operations.
Reason for Selling
Family priorities
Why I Love My Franchise
The product is delicious and beloved. Donuts make people happy!
About Duck Donuts
Duck Donuts is a fast-casual donut and coffee franchise built around a made-to-order concept, where customers watch their cake donuts cooked, dipped in glaze, topped and finished on the spot. The first shop opened in 2007 in the beach town of Duck, North Carolina, and the company began franchising in 2013.
The business runs on a brick-and-mortar, territory-based retail model with multiple dayparts, drawing breakfast, snack, dessert and drink sales across the day. Customers range from morning commuters to families treating their children, and the simple menu avoids the bulky, costly equipment of many food concepts. The brand has grown to well over 100 locations across the United States, with a presence internationally, and is headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
Founded by Russ DiGilio, Duck Donuts has been backed by private-equity firm NewSpring Capital since 2021. The brand differentiates itself through the customization of its warm, freshly made donuts and a family-friendly in-store experience that encourages repeat visits.
Franchisee Support
New Duck Donuts owners complete a 5-day intensive training course at the company's headquarters in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, covering operations and day-to-day shop management. Ongoing support comes from corporate operations and training teams, a dedicated operational business consultant, and a marketing team that assists with promoting each location. Resale buyers should confirm with Duck Donuts what onboarding and transfer training the franchisor provides to incoming owners and existing staff when ownership changes.
Brand Accolades & Awards
Duck Donuts has earned recurring national recognition. It ranks in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 (#278 in 2025, up from #445 in 2024), was named #1 on Newsweek's list of America's Best Customer Service in 2021, and was recognized among America's Favorite Restaurant Chains in 2022. The brand has also won a Franchise Times Zor Award in the "Indulge Me" category. For resale buyers, brand-level recognition should be weighed alongside the specific shop's local reviews, referral sources and community reputation.
Industry / Market
Duck Donuts operates in the US doughnut store market, valued at around $9.6 billion in 2025 with roughly 14,000 outlets nationwide, according to IBISWorld. Demand is supported by the category's everyday affordability, its appeal as an accessible treat across breakfast, snack and dessert occasions, and steady consumer spending on specialty and customizable food experiences. The market is fragmented and competitive, so a unit's local visibility, reviews and territory strength are central to performance and matter to resale buyers.
Ideal Owner
Duck Donuts suits hands-on local operators who are comfortable running a fast-paced retail shop and managing an hourly team. The model rewards owners who are customer-focused, organized and community-minded, with the energy to engage local schools, families and fundraisers through programs like Quack Gives Back. Prior food-service or retail experience is helpful but not essential; marketing or finance backgrounds also translate well. Strong day-to-day operational discipline and local marketing instincts matter more than donut expertise.