Duck Donuts

Duck Donuts Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Duck Donuts serves made-to-order donuts with customizable toppings, providing a personalized and delicious donut experience.

In 2006, Russ DiGilio established Duck Donuts in the charming town of Duck, North Carolina, introducing a fresh and customizable donut experience that quickly captivated food enthusiasts. The inspiration for Duck Donuts arose during a family vacation when the need for warm, freshly made donuts led to the creation of the first store.

The concept rapidly gained traction, and by 2011, Duck Donuts had expanded to four locations. Recognizing the brand's growth potential, franchising began in 2013, with the first franchise opening in Williamsburg, Virginia. Today, the corporate headquarters of Duck Donuts is located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, where the brand continues to thrive.

Duck Donuts offers a unique in-store experience where customers can watch their donuts being made fresh to order. They then have the opportunity to customize their treats with a variety of coatings, toppings, and drizzles. This commitment to freshness and personalization distinguishes Duck Donuts from its competitors and appeals to a wide range of tastes.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $40,000
Your Training Expenses $0 – $2,500
Premises Deposits $2,500 – $4,500
Professional Design $12,000 – $18,500
Leasehold Improvements $260,000 – $395,000
Signage $7,800 – $13,500
Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment $110,000 – $137,000
Computer Systems $18,000 – $25,000
Initial Inventory $7,000 – $10,000
Grand Opening Marketing $12,500 – $15,000
Professional Fees $750 – $5,000
Licenses and Permits $100 – $2,000
Expeditor Fee $6,000 – $9,000
Insurance $3,000 – $5,000
Operating Expenses / Additional Funds – 3 months $35,000 – $55,000
Total (excluding tenant allowance) $514,650 – $736,800
Total Project Cost $468,567 – $690,717

Franchise Disclosure Document

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Competitors

Below are some of

Duck Donuts

key competitors in the

Baked Goods

sector.

Started franchising
Franchisees

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Franchise fee

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Royalty fee

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Investment

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Revenue (AUV)

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Gross Profit

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EBITDA

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Home-based

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Passive investment

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FDD
Duck Donuts
2013
143
+
29%
29%
$40,000
6.00%

$469,000

-

$691,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

$500,000

72.6%

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

No
Upgrade
No
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
2006
154
+
-7%
-7%
$30,000
n.a.

$37,000

-

$186,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

$0

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Upgrade
Upgrade
1998
24
+
-14%
-14%
$25,000
6.00%

$122,000

-

$339,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

$0

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Upgrade
Upgrade
2004
146
+
-3%
-3%
$35,000
6.00%

$135,000

-

$407,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

$471,000

74.0%

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

No
Upgrade
No
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
2023
0
+
n.a.
n.a.
$55,000
6.00%

$235,000

-

$712,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

$579,000

76.0%

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

No
Upgrade
No
No
Upgrade
No
2021
1
+
n.a.
n.a.
$40,000
6.00%

$660,000

-

$1,021,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

$3,145,000

63.3%

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

No
Upgrade
No
No
Upgrade
No
2006
32
+
-18%
-18%
$40,000
5.00%

$1,090,000

-

$2,335,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

$0

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

No
Upgrade
No
No
Upgrade
No

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$49 / month
Total investment

?

Revenue (AUV)

?

Revenue growth (last 3 years)

?

Profit margin

?

Franchise Disclosure Documents
Advanced filtering and sorting
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?

Priority support

?

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Training 

Duck Donuts provides an extensive training program that incorporates a mix of online, classroom, and hands-on training.

Attendance Requirements

A minimum of four individuals must attend and successfully complete the initial training. This group includes the franchisee’s Operating Principal, a full-time General Manager, and one additional approved employee.

Training Curriculum

The program covers various crucial aspects of store operations. Topics include sales techniques, product knowledge, accounting practices, food preparation, and operations management.

Location and Duration

Training takes place at designated Duck Donuts locations, which may include their headquarters.

Territory Protection

Franchisees are granted the right to establish and operate a Duck Donuts outlet within a designated protected territory, known as the "Territory," which is defined once the franchised business location is identified and approved.

The Territory usually encompasses one or more cities or market areas, outlined by factors such as roadways, county lines, or other geographical markers. The size and boundaries of the Territory are individually determined based on elements like the number of households, average home prices, and household incomes.

Although franchisees receive a specific location within their Territory, the franchisor reserves the right to operate or franchise Duck Donuts outlets in surrounding, bordering, or adjacent areas.

Number of units

2025
Franchised units

111

133

143

Company-owned units

1

1

1

Total units

112

134

144

Competitors

Aunt Millies Bakeries

Franchisees

?

154
+
-7%
-7%
Investment

?

$37,000 - $186,000

The Pretzel Twister

Franchisees

?

24
+
-14%
-14%
Investment

?

$122,000 - $339,000

Philly Pretzel Factory

Franchisees

?

146
+
-3%
-3%
Investment

?

$135,000 - $407,000

Bang Cookies

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$235,000 - $712,000

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