Duck Donuts

Doughnuts and coffee
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2024 Franchise 500 Rank
#445 Not ranked last year
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Initial investment
$444K - $653K
Units as of 2024
157 Increase 49.5% over 3 years

In 2006, Duck Donuts opened its first location in Duck, North Carolina, where the Outer Banks is located. Their fresh, made-to-order donuts and variety of coffee flavors quickly made it a popular donut destination. The high product quality and family-friendly atmosphere put it on track to be one of the donut industry’s most well-known brands.

Duck Donuts may be a good business option for those passionate about giving back while also operating a donut franchise. It may be one of the most beloved franchising companies in the donut industry, so if you're in the business for a business, don't miss out! Duck Donuts has over 100 locations all over the United States. The franchise plans to continue expansion efforts and open stores in both the U.S. and internationally.  

Why You May Want to Start a Duck Donuts Franchise

A dedicated corporate team strives to support all Duck Donuts franchisees. They help their franchisees locate a store, and provide in-depth training and a marketing team to assist with location-specific marketing campaigns.

The franchise not only invests in its franchisees, but also in its community. It also encourages franchisees to do the same. Duck Donuts considers itself to be a family, and with its Quack Gives Back program, it partners with various local organizations. Through events, sales, and marketing, it raises awareness and funds for these organizations. 

Duck Donuts partners with Gabe's Chemo Duck Program, which provides comfort, education, and therapeutic tools to children undergoing chemotherapy. From 2017 to 2021, Duck Donuts and its franchisees raised more than $140,000 for Gabe's Program.

What Might Make Duck Donuts a Good Choice?

Duck Donuts may be a tasty way to own and operate multi-unit franchise stores. And judging by the lines outside many of its doors, there may be no question that it serves an in-demand product. With online and app ordering as well as delivery offered by third-party partnerships, customers can get their morning, afternoon, and evening donut fixes one way or another. 

The company even invites patrons to cash in on a loyalty reward program by earning points for Duck Donut deals. Being accessible to customers through these digital sources may mean that your location's reach can stretch further than you initially think possible.

To be part of the Duck Donuts team, make sure you’re financially ready for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. You should also prepare yourself for ongoing fees that will include advertising and royalty fees. Franchisees will also need to meet the company's set net worth and liquid capital requirements.

How to Open a Duck Donuts Franchise

Wondering how to open a franchise? Duck Donuts breaks up the process into fairly manageable steps. Before anything else, the franchisor will want to get to know who you are, your goals, and your interests. During onboarding, a Duck Donuts representative will contact you to conduct an interview and discuss the qualification process. 

As you speak to existing franchisees, come prepared to ask questions directed to the Duck Donuts team. If your net worth and available liquid capital match the brand’s requirements, you may qualify to open a Duck Donuts franchise. Then, you might be able to get started with an initial investment. 

There's no doubt about it. customers can't resist a fresh and delicious Duck Donuts treat!

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Company Overview

About Duck Donuts

Industry Food
Related Categories Doughnuts, Baked Goods, Coffee, Miscellaneous Baked Goods, Breakfast/Brunch Restaurants, Desserts
Founded 2006
Parent Company New Spring Financial
Leadership Betsy Hamm, CEO
Corporate Address 1215 Manor Dr., #302
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Social Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok

Business Overview

Franchising Since 2013 (11 years)
# of employees at HQ 30
Where seeking

This company is offering new franchises worldwide.

This company is offering new franchises in the following US states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming

# of Units 157 (as of 2024)

Information for Franchisees

Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a Duck Donuts franchise.

Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees

Here's what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.

Initial Franchise Fee Information Circle
$40,000
Initial Investment Information Circle
$444,435 - $653,285
Net Worth Requirement Information Circle
$400,000
Cash Requirement Information Circle
$200,000
Veteran Incentives Information Circle
10% off franchise fee
Royalty Fee Information Circle
5%-6%
Ad Royalty Fee Information Circle
2%
Term of Agreement Information Circle
10 years
Is franchise term renewable? Yes
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Financing Options

Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.

Third Party Financing Duck Donuts has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, payroll

Training & Support Offered

Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.

On-The-Job Training 60 hours
Classroom Training 20 hours
Ongoing Support
Purchasing Co-ops
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Lease Negotiation
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Support
Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
National Media
Regional Advertising
Social Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing
Loyalty Program/App

Operations

Additional details about running this franchise.

Is absentee ownership allowed? Yes
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit? Information Circle
No
Can this franchise be run part time? Information Circle
Yes
Are exclusive territories available? Information Circle
Yes
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Franchise 500 Ranking History

Compare where Duck Donuts landed on this year's Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.

Additional Rankings

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022