Fast-Growing Donut Franchise: Turnkey with Expansion Rights
Duck Donuts franchise for sale in Lake County, Illinois
List Price: $299,000 USD
Key Facts
Annual Gross Revenue
$362,428 USD
Cash Flow
$100,000 – $150,000
Seasonal Business
No
Value of Inventory
Less than $25,000
Value of Assets
$200,000 – $300,000
Year Established
2024
Business Operates From
A retail location
Location Is
Leased
Approx. Monthly Rent
$5,000
Total Employees
10–25
1–3 MonthsTransition
Support
SomewhatPrice/Terms
Flexibility
NoneSeller financing Available
Part-timeOwner
Involvement
About this Business
Sweet opportunity in a hot market: This profitable, growing Duck Donuts franchise is generating momentum fast. In 2025, the business is trending toward $362,428 in revenue and $140,697 in cash flow, continuing its strong growth from the last 12 months’ $293K in revenue and $96K in cash flow. It’s on track for a strong year—and the seller is ready to make a deal.
Fully built-out and operational, this location is ready to go! A trained team of 3 full-time and 12 part-time employees ensures a smooth transition. With the current owner spending just 15 hours a week on operations, there’s flexibility for hands-on or hands-off ownership. With $250,000 in like-new assets and store build-out, plus nearly 9 years on the lease, this shop is set up for long-term success.
The real opportunity is in growth. With its first year complete, this business is gaining momentum. Growth comes from what makes Duck Donuts special—warm, made-to-order treats customers love. Every donut is made fresh, fully customizable, and completely unique. Already a local favorite with a 4.6-star rating on 110 reviews, it serves a loyal customer base that keeps coming back!
Catering and fundraising drive additional revenue, with steady orders from large local employers, schools, big-box retailers, and sports organizations. A strong marketing engine is in place, but there’s plenty of room to expand community engagement and outreach for even more growth.
This fully operational, revenue-generating shop costs about the same as opening a new location—without the time, cost, or risk of a startup. Plus, the sale includes expansion rights for a second location—a built-in growth opportunity.
Serious inquiries only. Inquire only via this platform and expect NDA by email.
Growth opportunities
This franchise is primed for growth in a densely populated, high-income area. Opportunities include expanding outreach to churches, high schools, and car dealerships for event catering, strengthening local marketing, and scaling fundraising programs. Additional potential lies in deepening community engagement and streamlining operations to boost efficiency and profitability. The sale also includes exclusive rights to develop one additional location in the region, offering a clear path for expansion.
Owner's Day-to-Day Involvement
Owner works about 15 hours a week: 1) Inspecting store 2) Ordering and conducting inventory 3) Monitoring Operations 4) Running Payroll
Asset Description
Includes all assets required to run the business, valued at $250,000. This includes high-quality commercial kitchen equipment, such as a rapid cook oven, refrigerated workstations, a planetary mixer, and a commercial espresso machine. A modern customer experience setup is in place, featuring a self-order kiosk, digital menu boards, and a POS system valued at $18,000. Additional assets include shelving, worktables, storage units, and a complete music system to enhance the in-store atmosphere.
Inventory Description
The sale also includes $12,000 in inventory, covering packaging, donut-making supplies, toppings, milk, shortening, cleaning products, and all consumables needed for daily operations.
Reason for Selling
Other family & business priorities
Why I Love My Franchise
Fresh, Warm and Made-to-order Donuts! Amazing product!
About Duck Donuts
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.
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.
Brand 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.
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.
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.