Duck Donuts

Doughnuts and coffee

2023 Franchise 500 Rank: N/R Not ranked last year

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Initial investment: $377K - $562K

Units as of 2022: 113 36.1% over 3 years

Jump to Franchising Overview

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

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!

Company Overview

About Duck Donuts

Industry: Food

Related Categories: Doughnuts, Baked Goods, Coffee, Miscellaneous Baked Goods, Breakfast/Brunch Restaurants

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

Business Overview

Franchising Since: 2013 (10 years)

# of employees at HQ: 34

Where seeking

This company is offering new franchisees throughout the US.

This company is offering new franchisees worldwide.

# of Units: 113 (as of 2022)

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: $40,000

Initial Investment: $376,566 - $562,491

Net Worth Requirement: $350,000

Cash Requirement: $150,000

Veteran Incentives: 10% off franchise fee

Royalty Fee: 5%

Ad Royalty Fee: 2%

Term of Agreement: 10 years

Is franchise term renewable?: Yes

Financing Options

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: 28 hours

Classroom Training: 22 hours

Ongoing Support: Purchasing Co-ops

Newsletter

Meetings & Conventions

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