DUCK DONUTS
Duck Donuts franchises operate retail shops that sell fresh, made-to-order donuts prepared on the premises, along with breakfast items, gourmet coffee, and merchandise, using proprietary recipes, operating procedures, and distinctive trade dress in a quick-serve setting. The business model involves granting franchises for single-unit or multi-unit developments to qualified individuals, providing training, support, and system standards. Their target market is the general public seeking prepared baked goods, competing with national, regional, and local bakeries, coffee shops, and other foodservice businesses.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
6% royalty + 2% brand fund + $500/mo accounting (first year)
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: 99 franchised outlets that were open as of January 1, 2024, and operated continuously throughout calendar year 2024.
* The overall average gross revenue of $537,112 for 99 franchised outlets was confirmed by calculating the weighted average from the segmented data: (25 units × $792,152 (Top 25%) + 49 units × $505,505 (Middle 50%) + 25 units × $344,021 (Bottom 25%)) / 99 total units = $537,111.82, which rounds to $537,112. No expense, profit, or EBITDA data was provided for franchised outlets, so profit estimations could not be made.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How DUCK DONUTS Compares to Other Fast Food Franchises
Key Insights
- Lower than average SBA loan default rate in Fast Food
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
DUCK DONUTS Current | $515K - $737K | $40K | 6.0% | 143 |
| Burger King | $2.1M - $4.7M | $50K | 4.5% | 19,732 |
| MCDONALD'S | $1.5M - $2.6M | $45K | N/A | 12,772 |
| AFC | $45K - $151K | $6K | 9.5% | 3,572 |
| SONIC DRIVE-IN | $1.7M - $3.1M | $15K | 5.0% | 3,441 |
| JIMMY JOHN'S | $366K - $728K | $35K | 6.0% | 2,647 |
Fast Food Average 127 franchises | $605K - $1.5M | $35K | 6.1% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 127 Fast Food franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+15 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for DUCK DONUTS franchisees (2016 - 2025)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
No litigation involving franchisees reported in the FDD.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a DUCK DONUTS franchise?
The total initial investment to open a DUCK DONUTS franchise ranges from $514,650 to $736,800. This includes a franchise fee of $40,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 6.0% of gross sales.
How much revenue does a DUCK DONUTS franchise make?
According to the 2025 FDD, the average gross revenue for a DUCK DONUTS franchise is $537,112. The median revenue is $499,779.
How many DUCK DONUTS franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, DUCK DONUTS has 143 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 2012.
Can you get an SBA loan for a DUCK DONUTS franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for DUCK DONUTS franchises. Historical data shows 103 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for DUCK DONUTS franchisees, with an average loan amount of $396,639. The historical default rate is 5.8%.
Is DUCK DONUTS a good franchise to buy?
DUCK DONUTS shows several positive indicators: established brand with 143+ locations, transparent financial performance data (Item 19), low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in DUCK DONUTS?
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