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Duck Donuts

Information based on 2023 FDD
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Brand Highlights
  • Founded in 2006
  • Franchising Since 2013
  • 111 US Franchises
  • $424,485 - $608,835 Investment Range
  • $569,701 Average Gross Revenue
  • 5% Royalty Fee
  • $40,000 Franchise Fee
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Brand Description

Duck Donuts has revolutionized the donut industry since 2006 with its made-to-order concept that delivers warm, delicious, customizable treats to delighted customers. Unlike traditional donut shops, each Duck Donuts creation starts with a signature vanilla cake donut made fresh when ordered, allowing customers to watch their treats come to life before their eyes.

The brand's unique customization process lets customers build their perfect donut by choosing from a variety of coatings, toppings, and drizzles. From classic favorites like cinnamon sugar to creative combinations featuring bacon, Oreos, or seasonal ingredients, the possibilities are endless. The result is a warm, light, and perfectly crafted donut that has earned Duck Donuts a passionate following across the country.

Beyond their signature donuts, locations offer a full menu including breakfast sandwiches, coffee and espresso drinks, ice cream sundaes, and refreshing beverages. The brand's family-friendly atmosphere, complete with their iconic duck theme and cheerful decor, creates a welcoming environment that keeps customers coming back.

Duck Donuts has earned widespread acclaim for their exceptional customer service, community involvement, and consistent delivery of high-quality products. Their commitment to freshness and customization has helped them expand from their original Outer Banks, North Carolina location to become a beloved national brand. For entrepreneurs seeking a unique opportunity in the food and beverage sector, Duck Donuts offers a proven business model that combines innovative products with a memorable customer experience.

DID YOU KNOW?

How much does it cost to start a franchise with Duck Donuts?

$424,485
$608,835
Did you know that bringing the warm, made-to-order donut experience of Duck Donuts to your community requires a total investment between $424,485 and $608,835, which covers everything from the $40,000 franchise fee to equipment, build-out costs, and working capital needed to start serving those irresistible cake donuts with endless topping combinations?
Financial Summary
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Investment Range
$424,485 - $608,835
Investment Midpoint
$516,660
Minimum Cash Required
$424,485
Royalty Fees
5%
Brand Fund
2%
Brand Bragging Rights
Made-to-order customization differentiates offering
Established 2006 with proven concept
Lower investment barrier than competitors
Warm fresh donuts drive repeat
Strong seasonal menu innovation capability
Community-focused neighborhood donut shop model
Financial Analysis
Duck Donuts requires an initial investment of $424,485 to $608,835, positioning it as an accessible entry point within the donuts, pastries, and bagels sub-sector. This investment level sits below the sub-sector average range of $515,392 to $960,348, making it attractive for first-time franchisees or those seeking lower-barrier food service opportunities. The donut shop segment benefits from consistent consumer demand for affordable indulgence items and morning convenience options, with made-to-order customization creating differentiation in a competitive market. Established in 2006 with 112 units, Duck Donuts demonstrates solid system maturity and measured growth trajectory, indicating stable franchisor infrastructure and operational refinement. The brand's customizable donut concept appeals to experience-driven consumers seeking personalization. However, the reported gross revenue of $569,701 falls below the sub-sector average of $700,949, which may reflect varying market conditions or operational factors requiring careful evaluation. Ideal investors should possess sufficient liquid capital and food service experience, as donut shops require early morning operations, inventory management, and quality consistency. The franchise suits operators comfortable with hands-on management and community-focused marketing. Territory considerations include demographic analysis of breakfast commuter patterns and local competition density. Multi-unit development potential exists for qualified operators in suitable markets. Prospective franchisees must thoroughly review the Franchise Disclosure Document and conduct comprehensive due diligence, including market analysis and financial projections with qualified advisors.
Expected Investment Range
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Average Gross Sales
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Financing
Financing Details

Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Duck Donuts. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.

Why Financing with Franzy Partners?

Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.

Finance Partners
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CRF USA

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First Bank of the Lake

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Golden Capital Solutions

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Location Analysis
Duck Donuts demonstrates widespread coverage across multiple states, with notable concentration in the Mid-Atlantic region. The franchise shows particularly strong presence in North Carolina and Virginia, reflecting its East Coast origins and successful expansion strategy. The brand maintains an impressive 4.53 average rating across thousands of customer reviews, indicating consistent quality and strong market acceptance.

The franchise's geographic distribution reveals a strategic focus on high-population coastal markets, with significant presence throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York. This concentration suggests successful adaptation to urban and suburban markets with higher disposable income and breakfast-oriented consumption patterns. The strong ratings particularly in core markets indicate effective operational systems and market fit.

Expansion opportunities exist particularly in the Midwest and Western regions, where the brand has limited presence. Ideal locations typically include suburban areas with strong morning traffic patterns, proximity to business districts or schools, and demographics showing median household incomes above $65,000. Success factors include visibility from major thoroughfares, adequate parking, and morning-focused retail clusters.

Prospective franchisees should focus on markets with limited artisanal donut competition and strong breakfast daypart traffic, particularly in growing suburban areas with young families and professionals.
Total US Locations112
Open Franchises111
Corporate Locations1
Average Sq. FootN/A
Territory Map

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Franchise Net Unit Growth
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Additional Information

Executive Team

Get to know the leadership behind Duck Donuts. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Duck Donuts's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Litigation

Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Duck Donuts. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Bankruptcy

Review Duck Donuts's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Franchisor Assistance

Learn about Duck Donuts's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2023. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

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