Franchise Deep Dive: Krispy Kreme Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

Operators open locations of the glazed donut chain for as low as $440,500 and realize an attractive return on investment.

By Katie Porter1851 Franchise Contributor

Updated 11:11AM • 01/11/23

LAST UPDATED: December 2022
FRANCHISE SITE: Krispy Kreme (not currently franchising)
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 1,600+
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $440,500 – $3,410,000
POTENTIAL ROI: $350,000 (estimated earnings)

Krispy Kreme, a popular dessert franchise with more than 1,800 units across the globe, is a favorite concept amongst consumers and entrepreneurs alike. The donut brand, which has been franchising since 1947, is one of the top investments in the food service industry and the most googled franchise in a couple of states.

While the company is not currently offering franchise opportunities in the United States, the brand has been very focused on its international expansion goals, signing agreements recently for locations in Jamaica, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Jordan and Chile.

How Many Krispy Kreme Locations Are There?

As of November 2022, Krispy Kreme has 1,810 units in operation around the world, a 6% increase from its footprint a year prior. In the United States, there are over 360 locations in 42 states, with a large concentration in California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Texas.

The brand was founded in 1937 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and began franchising 10 years later. In its 85 years of business, the company has become a beloved choice in the baked goods and dessert industry. Krispy Kreme began international expansion in 2003, first entering the Australian market, and has since scaled to be in 30 countries.

Over the years, the company has changed its development strategy a number of times. After being acquired by investment firm JAB Holding Co. in 2017, the company has spent hundreds of millions of dollars buying out hundreds of franchise locations to have better control over its products. Now, about 80% of locations are company-run, and 20% are owner-operated.

Krispy Kreme also announced an initial public offering in 2021, returning to the stock market.

The brand’s common stock is quoted in the NASDAQ as “DNUT.”

What is the Krispy Kreme Business Model?

Krispy Kreme offers two location options that follow different business models. There are Hot Light Theater Shops, which are manufacturing and sales facilities where donuts are made and sold right there, and Fresh Shops, retail locations where freshly made products are delivered to then be iced, filled and sold.

Hot Light Theater Shops are typically buildings of about 2,700 and 3,500 square feet, located on sites that are between 27,000 to 50,000 square feet. They must be freestanding locations that have access for vehicle traffic and a drive-thru window. Fresh shops are significantly smaller operations, with less staff needed to run the business, less equipment, a smaller footprint and lower overhead to start.

How Much Can Krispy Kreme Franchise Owners Make?

Krispy Kreme does not disclose financial performance representations, with the Item 19 of the brand’s 2020 Franchise Disclosure Document stating, “We do not make any representations about a franchisee’s future financial performance or the past financial performance of company-owned or franchised outlets.”

However, VettedBiz estimates that the average franchise unit brings in about $3.4 million in sales each year, which equals out to about $60,000 - $70,000 per week from fresh, hot donuts. With these numbers as a guide, Krispy Kreme owners can expect to average about $350,000 in annual profits if they receive 10% of net sales.

Overall, brand sales have been on the rise since the pandemic. Krispy Kreme's sales were $733 million in 2020 and $818 million in 2021, Statista reports. A November 2022 press release from the company marked sales at $1.52 billion year-to-date.

How Much Does it Cost to Open a Krispy Kreme?

The estimated total investment needed to open a Krispy Kreme franchise depends on the model you choose and ranges from $440,500 to $3,410,000. The various location types have different costs associated with them, which is what creates this large gap in the investment total.

Hot Light Theatre Shop: $1,587,500 – $3,410,000
Fresh Shop: $440,500 – $1,207,500

The following are the breakdown of expenditures involved in each model’s initial investment:

Hot Light Theater Shop

Development Fee: $25,000
Initial Franchise Fee: $25,000
Real Estate and Improvements: $20,000 – $75,000
Construction Costs: $800,000 – $2,200,000
Equipment/ Signage/ Furniture/ Fixtures: $230,000 – $370,000
Truck: $25,000 – $50,000 per truck
Initial Inventory: $40,000 – $50,000
Production Equipment: $270,000 – $400,000
Grand Opening Marketing Program: $25,000 – $45,000
Training Expenses: $45,000 – $50,000
Security Deposits and Other Prepaids: $7,500 – $20,000
Additional Fund: $75,000 – $100,000

Fresh Shop

Development Fee: $12,500
Initial Franchise Fee: $12,500
Real Estate and Improvements: $8,000 – $37,500
Construction Costs: $250,000 – $837,000
Equipment/ Signage/ Furniture/ Fixtures: $90,000 – $175,000
Initial Inventory: $5,000 – $8,000
Grand Opening Marketing Program: $20,000 – $45,000
Training Expenses: $15,000 – $20,000
Security Deposits and Other Prepaids: $2,500 – $10,000
Additional Funds: $25,000 – $50,000

The franchise requires investors to have a $2 million net worth and $300,000 in liquid capital. Ongoing fees include a 4.5% royalty of net shop sales, a 2% contribution to the brand fund, a 1% contribution to the advertising fund, 2.5% requirement for local marketing and a 3% requirement for regional and national marketing.

Who is the Leadership of Krispy Kreme?

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About Krispy Kreme?

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