How Much Does It Cost To Open a Dunkin’ Franchise?

With more than 13,300 locations around the world, Dunkin’ is one of the most popular choices for franchisees looking to get into the restaurant industry. But what does it take? 

Dunkin’ has a multistep process for joining their franchise. This may take between 60 and 90 days, during which they will review your application and business plan. 

Before you start, you need to make sure that you have a minimum net worth of $500,000 and a minimum of $250,000 in liquid assets. Next, you will have to decide on what type of Dunkin’ franchise you want to open, as costs vary by model. Here’s a closer look at what it takes to open each type of Dunkin’ franchise. 

Dunkin’ Cost Breakdown by Model

Dunkin’ offers both traditional and nontraditional store formats for franchisees to choose from: 

Traditional Opportunities (750-3,100 Square Feet)

• Franchise Fee: $40,000-$90,000
• Royalties: 5.9% of gross sales
• Advertising Fee: 5% of gross sales 
• Minimum Net Worth Required: $500,000
• Investment Range: $526,900-$1.8 million

Nontraditional Opportunities (From 500 Square Feet)

• Franchise Fee: $10,000-$90,000
• Royalties: 5.9% of gross sales
• Advertising Fee: 5% of gross sales
• Minimum Net Worth Required: $500,000
• Investment Range: $121,400-$1.3 million

Does Dunkin’ Offer Financing? 

Keep in mind that Dunkin’ does not provide financing. However, it has strong relationships with preferred lenders who can offer franchisees competitive and flexible financing options. These lenders can also provide other financial services, including Small Business Administration-backed loans for smaller transactions. Loan offerings typically include but are not limited to business acquisition loans, equipment loans and leases, real estate loans, and refinancing.

What You Get from Dunkin’

In addition to owning your own Dunkin’ location, franchisees will have access to the following: 

• Training: The Dunkin’ brand training program is provided to all new franchisees over a period of about 15 days. You will be given access to online training programs to learn about the brand, as well as the ins and outs of restaurant management.
• Support: Each franchisee is given access to a support team to help with everything from operational dilemmas to marketing conundrums and staffing issues. 
• Marketing: You will have access to the benefits of the brand’s multimillion dollar advertising fund.
• Technology: Each franchisee is given access to, and is required to purchase, technology such as the mobile app and back-of-house systems.
• Lsmnow.com: Dunkin’ owns and operates an online shop where franchisees can download brand-approved materials, marketing programs for your local store and other resources.
• Real Estate: Franchisees will work with real estate from Dunkin’, along with and construction experts to put together a site and development plan for the restaurant.

Overall, with an investment range of $121,400 to $1.8 million, getting started with the coffee brand can be pretty accessible. Are you ready to run on Dunkin’?