1851

Dunkin’ is perhaps one of the most recognizable food and beverage franchises today.&nbsp;Since its humble beginnings in 1950, the chain has grown to 12,000 locations worldwide and 8,000 locations within the U.S. Though still commonly referred to as Dunkin’ Donuts, the chain actually dropped the Donuts part in 2019 to reflect the wider scope of its offerings.Dunkin’ has a multi-step process for joining their franchise, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/dunkin-donuts-franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-to-open-a-dunkin-franchise-2719279" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nerdwallet</a>. This may take between 60 and 90 days, during which they will review your application and business plan.&nbsp;If you want to help America “run on Dunkin,” here’s a closer look into how to get started.&nbsp;<h4>Consider the Costs</h4>As a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dunkinfranchising.com/investments/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-to-open-a-dunkin-franchise-2719279" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dunkin’ franchisee</a>, you should have $250,000 minimum in liquid assets and a net worth of $500,000 per restaurant, depending on your market. You may also purchase an existing Dunkin’ franchise by meeting the minimum financial requirements for your desired market.Dunkin’ offers traditional and non-traditional franchise opportunities, both with their own financial requirements.&nbsp;Traditional:&nbsp;<ul><li>Franchise fee: $40,000–$90,000</li><li>Continuing franchise fee: 2-6%</li><li>Store size: 1,200–2,600 sq. ft.&nbsp;</li><li>Minimum net worth: $500,000</li><li>Advertising fee: 5%</li><li>Investment range: $526,900–$1.8 million&nbsp;</li></ul>Non-traditional:&nbsp;<ul><li>Franchise fee: $1,000–$2,250 per year</li><li>Continuing franchise fee: 5.9%</li><li>Store size: from 500 sq. ft.&nbsp;</li><li>Minimum net worth: $500,000</li><li>Investment range: $121,400–$972,800</li></ul>Note that Dunkin’ does not provide financing. It does have partnerships with preferred lenders who can offer you flexible financing options and other services, including SBA-backed loans for smaller transactions.&nbsp;<h4>Submit a Franchise Application</h4>After reviewing costs and deciding if this is the right opportunity for you, you can submit a franchise application online. You will also be asked to upload a resume during the application process, according to Nerdwallet.&nbsp;After receiving your application, Dunkin’ will send you its franchise disclosure and qualification package. This will include the company’s financial statements, a copy of the franchise agreement, a list of existing franchisees who are able to answer questions, and a breakdown of costs.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h4>Complete a Business Plan</h4>After the initial screening is completed, you will meet with a franchise manager who will outline the next steps. At this point, you can ask an experienced franchisee questions and get advice on your business plan.&nbsp;When writing your business plan, you should include a market analysis, potential sites to construct your franchise, marketing and sales plans and a financial plan/projections.<h4>Be Approved</h4>Once your business plan is approved, your next step is to sign a store development agreement. This gives you the right to develop a Dunkin’ store within a geographical territory.&nbsp;Additionally, you will sign the franchise agreement — a legal contract between franchisee and franchisor that outlines the expectations of each party.&nbsp;<h4>Prepare for Opening</h4>Next comes franchisee training. The Dunkin’ Brand training program is provided to all new franchisees for about 15 days, and you will be given access to online training programs to learn about the brand as well as the ins and outs of restaurant management.An experienced team will also help you with&nbsp;development, real estate, construction, marketing, ops, and more.&nbsp;Each franchisee is also provided with access to and is required to purchase, certain technology, including the company’s mobile app and back-of-house systems.After training and construction are finished, you can begin designing your store – complete with traditional Dunkin’ branding – as well as hiring and training staff.&nbsp;Dunkin’ owns and operates an online shop where you are able to download brand-approved materials, marketing programs for your local store and other resources.

How to Open a Dunkin’ Franchise

1851 Franchise

What to know before investing in one of America’s top coffee franchises.

how-to-open-a-dunkin-franchise

The Growth Coach

Top 5 Reasons To Invest in The Growth Coach Franchise

top-5-reasons-to-invest-in-the-growth-coach-franchise

Caring Transitions

Planning Today for Peace Tomorrow: Caring Transitions on the Importance of Estate Planning

planning-today-for-peace-tomorrow-caring-transitions-on-the-importance-of-estate-planning

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

Onigilly Franchise - Target Market - San Diego - 1851 Franchise

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen Franchise Sets Sights on San Diego Expansion

onigilly-franchise-san-diego-restaurant-expansion

ServiceMaster Restore

Liberty Restoration Group Renews Proud Partnership with Lindenwood University Athletics

liberty-restoration-group-renews-proud-partnership-with-lindenwood-university-athletics

Crust Pizza Co.

Crust Pizza Co. Provides Multiple Streams of Revenue in the Pizza Industry

crust-pizza-franchise-revenue-streams

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Nearly 40% of Americans Are Eating Out Less as High Prices Redefine Dining Habits

nearly-40-of-americans-are-eating-out-less-as-high-prices-redefine-dining-habits

Authority Brands Enters Q4 with Record Momentum

Authority Brands Enters Q4 with Record Momentum, Surpassing 200 New Franchise Owners in the First 10 Months of 2025

authority-brands-enters-q4-with-record-momentum-surpassing-200-new-franchise-owners-in-the-first-10-months-of-2025

Franchises, work-life balance, millennials in franchising, millennials work-life balance

The Best Franchises for Millennials Wanting Work-Life Balance

best-franchises-millennials-work-life-balance

Photo of Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza franchisee Lily Wilford

Entrepreneur: This 18-Year-Old Saves Babysitting Money for College — Then Decided to Buy a Business Instead

18-year-old-franchise-owner-lily-wilford

Amazon outage, AWS outage, Amazon AWS logo

The Day the Cloud Stalled: How Amazon's Outage Impacted Franchise Economy

amazon-aws-outage-franchise-impact-travel-dining-failure

image of franchise deep dive from 1851 franchise on doody calls franchise authority brands

DoodyCalls Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

doodycalls-franchise-deep-dive

Photo of Humbug Holiday Lighting team members wearing festive sweaters, beanies, smiling at camera

Happinest Brands Turns the ‘Off-Season’ Into a Bright Spot for Franchisees

happinest-holiday-lighting-franchise-support

image of mellow mushroom deep dive into financials article from 1851 franchise

Mellow Mushroom Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

mellow-mushroom-franchise-deep-dive

The Decision To Franchise: A Founder’s Playbook From Bee Organized’s Kristen Christian

the-decision-to-franchise-a-founders-playbook-from-bee-organizeds-kristen-christian

A Practical Playbook: Who To Call First When Franchising Your Business

franchising-your-business-who-to-call-first

image of jerome hanway from right at home Las Cruces, New Mexico 1851 franchise franchisee spotlight

Jerome Hanway Is Building His Right at Home Franchise Around His Mission To Serve

right-at-home-franchise-las-cruces-jerome-hanway

NJCAR v. Ford - New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

new-jersey-franchise-practices-act-njcar-v-ford

image of michael panos and michel panos, owners of mellow mushroom in Atlanta

The Panos Family’s Role in Preserving Mellow Mushroom’s Character — and Expanding in Atlanta

mellow-mushroom-franchise-panos-restaurant-group-metro-atlanta

Graphic with arm, holding graduation cap, coming out of stack of books

top-tutoring-test-prep-franchises

How to Open a Dunkin’ Franchise

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS