- 2025 Franchise 500 Rank
-
#407 Ranked #445 last year
- Initial investment
-
$444K - $653K
- Units as of 2024
-
157 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!
Company Overview
About Duck Donuts
Industry | Food |
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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 (12 years) |
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# 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
|
$40,000 |
---|---|
Initial Investment
|
$444,435 - $653,285 |
Net Worth Requirement
|
$400,000 |
Cash Requirement
|
$200,000 |
Veteran Incentives
|
10% off franchise fee |
Royalty Fee
|
5%-6% |
Ad Royalty Fee
|
2% |
Term of Agreement
|
10 years |
Is franchise term renewable? | Yes |
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 |
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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?
|
No |
Can this franchise be run part time?
|
Yes |
Are exclusive territories available?
|
Yes |
Franchise 500 Ranking History
Compare where Duck Donuts landed on this year's Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.
Additional Rankings
Curious to know where Duck Donuts ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.
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