Franchisor Stories
Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: DonutNV offers entrepreneurs a flexible ownership franchise opportunity with high profit margins, all at a lower cost than a traditional restaurant franchise.
DonutNV is a mobile food franchise specializing in hot, fresh mini donuts and refreshing beverages. The brand’s interactive donut trucks bring a unique experience to events, serving made-to-order mini donuts paired with fresh-squeezed lemonades available in seven fruit flavors.
The company began as Cinnamini Donuts, opening its first location in May 2014 at the Philadelphia Premium Outlets. Founders Alex and Amanda Gingold sought to break away from corporate life and create a business that combined their entrepreneurial spirit with a love for sweet treats. Customer demand led to the launch of their first mobile unit in July 2015. In 2018, the brand rebranded to DonutNV to appeal to a broader audience. Franchising opportunities were introduced in late 2018, with the first franchise awarded in 2019.
Mission: DonutNV's mission is to bring joy to communities by offering high-quality, freshly made mini donuts and beverages through an engaging and interactive mobile experience.
Vision: The company's vision is to continue expanding across the United States, making their unique donut experience accessible to more people and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to join the DonutNV family.
DonutNV distinguishes itself in the donut industry through several unique selling points:
DonutNV does not currently provide a list of available territories or markets. Candidates are invited to fill out an online form to learn more about current franchise opportunities.
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a DonutNV franchise ranges from $189,580 to $272,900 for a vehicle trailer or $264,880 to $337,700 for a food truck. The brand’s 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | Vehicle Trailer | Food Truck | ||
Min | Max | Min | Max | |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $59,500 | $59,500 | $59,500 | $59,500 |
| Tech Setup & Marketing Package | $2,250 | $2,250 | $2,250 | $2,250 |
| Tow Vehicle | $0 | $3,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Vehicle Trailer, Equipment & Supplies | $114,650 | $124,650 | $0 | $0 |
| State Specific Trailer Upfit | $0 | $20,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Delivery of Trailer | $0 | $6,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Food Truck | $0 | $0 | $189,950 | $189,950 |
| State Specific Food Truck Upfit | $0 | $0 | $0 | $20,000 |
| Delivery of Food Truck | $0 | $0 | $0 | $6,000 |
| Rent & Utility Deposits | $0 | $9,000 | $0 | $9,000 |
| Install of 240v Electrical Outlet | $0 | $0 | $0 | $2,500 |
| Furniture | $0 | $500 | $0 | $500 |
| Computer & Software | $30 | $2,500 | $30 | $2,500 |
| Additional Opening Inventory | $100 | $5,000 | $100 | $5,000 |
| Insurance Deposits & Premiums | $5,000 | $10,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Training Travel Expense | $2,000 | $5,000 | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Market Introduction Program | $500 | $500 | $500 | $500 |
| Professional Fees | $500 | $3,000 | $500 | $3,000 |
| Business Permits & Licenses | $50 | $1,500 | $50 | $1,500 |
| Printing, Stationery & Office Supplies | $0 | $500 | $0 | $500 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $5,000 | $20,000 | $5,000 | $20,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: The initial franchise fee is $59,500 for a territory of up to 100,000 people, with an additional charge of $0.50/person over 100,000. The franchise fee is due upon signing the franchise agreement and is not refundable.
DonutNV offers a $5,000 discount to qualifying military veterans on their first territory.
Ongoing Fees: According to the 2024 FDD, DonutNV franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Royalty | $150/unit/week |
| Brand Fund Contribution | $200/unit/month |
| Technology Fee | $250/unit/month |
| Local Advertising & Promotional Expenditures | $200/unit/month (minimum) |
| Software Subscription | $30 - $90/month for QuickBooks |
| Safety & Brand Standards Review | $550/year |
ROI Potential: According to DonutNV’s 2024 FDD, one of the brand’s affiliate-owned trailers reported the following earnings for 2023:
2023 | % of Sales | |
| Sales | ||
| Event Revenue | $159,639 | |
| Travel Fees | $8,275 | |
| Gratuities | $1,895 | |
| Gross Sales | $169,809 | |
| Select Expenses | ||
| Food Cost - Supplies | ($18,031) | 10.6% |
| Fuel | ($2,827) | 1.7% |
| Merchant Processing | ($2,392) | 1.4% |
| Total Select Expenses | ($23,250) | 13.7% |
| Adjusted Net Profit (After Expenses) | $146,559 | 86.3% |
| Franchise Fees | ||
| Royalty | ($7,800) | 4.6% |
| Brand Fund | ($2,400) | 1.4% |
| Tech Fee | ($3,000) | 1.8% |
| Total Franchise Fees | ($13,200) | 7.8% |
| Adjusted Net Profit (After Franchise Fees) | $133,359 | 78.5% |
DonutNV provides comprehensive training to its franchisees through DonutNV University, an ultra-modern facility located in Clermont, Florida. This program ensures that new franchisees are well-prepared to operate their mobile units successfully.
In addition to initial training, DonutNV offers ongoing operational support to its franchisees. This includes assistance with event booking strategies, marketing efforts and continuous guidance to help franchisees grow their businesses effectively.
To enhance efficiency, DonutNV equips its franchisees with state-of-the-art mobile units designed for optimal performance. These custom-built units are tailored to meet the specific needs of the business, ensuring a seamless operational experience.
DonutNV seeks franchisees who are self-starters, motivated to run their own business, and eager to engage with their community by making people smile, one donut at a time.
DonutNV offers franchisees the flexibility to operate their mobile units on a full-time or part-time basis, allowing them to tailor their commitment to their personal and financial goals. This adaptability enables franchisees to manage their time effectively, balancing their business operations with other responsibilities.
DonutNV does not offer direct or indirect financing.
Prior to their official training at DonutNV University, Chris and Amber successfully booked 70 events, surpassing their initial expectations. They reported overwhelmingly positive community response and found the pre-launch tools and resources provided by DonutNV to be highly effective.
The global donut market is experiencing steady growth, driven by consumer demand for indulgent and convenient treats. In 2022, the market was valued at approximately $12.6 billion and is projected to reach $17.8 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% during the forecast period. In the United States, the doughnut store sector's market size increased to $8.9 billion in 2023, up from $8.64 billion in 2022.
DonutNV distinguishes itself in the donut industry through its fully mobile franchise model, utilizing custom-built trailers equipped with exclusive donut-making machines and LED viewing windows. This setup offers a unique, interactive experience where customers can watch their mini donuts being freshly prepared. The business model emphasizes high product margins with minimal waste, and the flat weekly royalty structure ensures franchisees are not penalized for increased sales. Additionally, the event-focused scheduling allows franchisees to control their calendars, catering to various events and maintaining a flexible work-life balance.
In the competitive landscape, DonutNV faces competition from both traditional brick-and-mortar donut shops and other mobile dessert vendors. Traditional chains like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin' have established brand recognition and a wide customer base. Additionally, local food trucks and mobile dessert businesses offering similar products present direct competition in various markets. Despite this, DonutNV's unique mobile model and interactive customer experience provide distinct advantages over these competitors.
Embarking on a DonutNV franchise journey involves several key steps designed to ensure a smooth transition into the business:
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