Top 10 Doughnut Franchises

In honor of everybody’s favorite treat, let's take a look at the top 10 donut franchise opportunities available in 2024, shall we?

1. Dunkin'

The investment to start a Dunkin’ franchise ranges from $438K to $1.8M.

What is there to say about Dunkin' that hasn’t already been said? It is a name synonymous with coffee and baked goods, but it's the doughnuts that have helped cement its status as a household name. With an expansive menu that caters to a wide range of tastes, Dunkin' combines convenience with quality. 

Dunkin's model focuses on high-volume sales and efficient service, aiming to keep the morning rush moving swiftly. As of 2024, Dunkin' continues to expand, leveraging its strong brand recognition and loyal customer base.

2. Shipley Do-Nuts

The investment to start a Shipley Do-Nuts franchise ranges from $655K to $1.3M. 

Shipley Do-Nuts, known for its delicious doughnuts, kolaches, pastries and coffee, offers a taste of tradition that dates back to 1936. Shipley's has maintained its reputation by focusing on quality ingredients and a family-friendly atmosphere, making it a strong contender in the donut franchise market.

3. Randy's Donuts

The investment to start a Randy's Donuts franchise ranges from $606K to $1.2M. 

Randy's Donuts brings an iconic appeal to the donut franchise sector. Known for its massive rooftop donut sculptures, Randy's offers a menu that includes doughnuts, breakfast sandwiches and croissants, along with coffee, tea and other drinks. The brand's visibility, partly due to its appearances in numerous films and television shows, adds to its attractiveness as a franchise opportunity.

4. DonutNV

The investment to start a DonutNV franchise ranges from $185K to $254K.

DonutNV is making waves in the franchise world with its unique offering of mini doughnuts, juices and hot and iced coffee. DonutNV stands out for its interactive customer experience, where patrons can watch their mini doughnuts being made fresh. The investment range for a DonutNV franchise is relatively low, making it an accessible entry point for many potential franchisees. 

5. Duck Donuts

The investment range for starting a Duck Donuts franchise is between $465K and $649K.

Duck Donuts specializes in made-to-order doughnuts and coffee, providing a personalized experience for every customer and a choice of toppings, icings and drizzles. Duck Donuts has carved a niche for itself with its warm, freshly made doughnuts, appealing to those seeking a more premium and personalized donut experience.

6. The Dapper Doughnut

The investment range for starting a Dapper Doughnut franchise is between $40K to $282K.

The Dapper Doughnut is another player in the mini doughnut space, offering an array of gourmet mini doughnuts alongside coffee. This brand focuses on catering and events, offering a mobile doughnut experience that can be tailored to weddings, parties and corporate events. The Dapper Doughnut's low investment threshold and flexible business model make it an attractive option for entrepreneurs seeking a versatile and mobile business opportunity.

7. Donut Bar

The investment range for starting a Donut Bar franchise ranges from $309K to $699K.

Donut Bar offers an artisanal approach to this classic treat with a menu that features creative and award-winning doughnut designs. Donut Bar's emphasis on innovation and artistry in doughnut making sets it apart, appealing to both traditionalists and those seeking a modern twist on the classic donut shop.

8. Donut Distillery

The investment range for a Donut Distillery franchise is between $198K and $330K. 

Blending the worlds of mini doughnuts with coffee, craft beer, wine and spirits, Donut Distillery offers a unique concept in the donut franchise landscape. This brand caters to a diverse clientele, from morning coffee seekers to evening socializers, making it a versatile and appealing option for entrepreneurs. 

9. The Donut Experiment 

The investment range for a Donut Experiment franchise is between $274K and $324K.

The Donut Experiment brings a creative and interactive approach to doughnut making, with a focus on customization. This brand encourages customers to be part of the doughnut creation process, choosing their icings, toppings, and drizzles. In addition to its unique in-store experience, The Donut Experiment also offers catering services, expanding its reach beyond the traditional donut shop model.

10. Dot & Dough

The investment to start a Dot & Dough franchise ranges from $148K to $383K.

Dot & Dough presents an enticing opportunity in the donut franchise market with its unique approach to the traditional doughnut. Specializing in malasadas — a type of Portuguese doughnut — alongside other inventive doughnut creations, Dot & Dough brings a taste of innovation and cultural diversity to the table. 

If any of these franchises are calling your name, make sure to visit the brand’s official franchise website and reach out to the respective team to learn more. 

Check out some of these related articles: 

• Why Own a Doughnut Franchise?
• The Brands that Shaped Franchising: Dunkin'
• How To Find and Buy a Donut Franchise in 2024