

MidnighTreats is a fast-growing dessert franchise founded in 2018 in Northern Virginia by Johnny Nguyen. The concept started in the founder’s mother’s kitchen in Vienna, Virginia and later grew into a full retail brand. It is headquartered in Reston, Virginia. The company began franchising in 2024.
MidnighTreats offers a 100% plant-based menu featuring its signature “thicc” gourmet cookies, oat-milk gelato, and other vegan desserts. The business model uses a small footprint and minimal staffing to reduce operating costs. The brand follows a simple and scalable approach built for strong unit economics.
The franchise differentiates itself with indulgent, fully vegan treats that attract both plant-based and traditional dessert lovers. Its focus on sustainability, ethical ingredients, and compostable packaging strengthens its appeal. With its late-night culture and bold branding, MidnighTreats stands out in the modern dessert segment.
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.
MidnighTreats provides a multi-phase training program to prepare franchisees for operating their business effectively and in line with brand standards.
MidnighTreats grants its franchisees a “Designated Territory” that typically extends three miles from the approved shop location, though this distance can vary based on population density, demographics, and physical barriers.
While the franchisee is allowed to operate within this area, the territory is not exclusive. The franchisor retains the right to sell through other channels like the internet, catalog sales, or third-party platforms even within the franchisee’s territory.
Franchisees may face competition from other MidnighTreats shops, company-owned outlets, or affiliated brands. However, as long as the franchisee is not in default, the franchisor agrees not to establish another MidnighTreats location within the franchisee’s designated territory.
Below are some of
MidnighTreats
key competitors in the
Baked Goods
sector.

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Al Manakeesh is a Middle Eastern bakery-restaurant brand offering manakeesh flatbreads, shawarma, and Lebanese specialties, serving neighborhood diners and families, and known for freshly baked dough, traditional flavors, and casual, counter-service settings that highlight Levantine comfort food.
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Golden Krust Caribbean Restaurant is a quick‐service franchise offering Caribbean-style patties, rotis, rice dishes and meals, serving diaspora communities and casual diners, and known for signature flavors, cultural brand heritage and growing franchise network.
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MidnighTreats is a late-night food-truck or small-format franchise offering waffles, desserts and sweet-snacks on-demand, serving late-night crowds, event patrons, and dessert lovers, and known for mobile flexibility, viral menu appeal and lean startup model.
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Schmackary’s is a gourmet cookie-and‐dessert franchise offering handmade cookies, ice cream sandwiches, and specialty treats, serving dessert lovers and gift buyers, and known for bold flavors, urban brand presence and experiential retail-tainment.
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BAGEL BOSS is a bagel-and-deli franchise offering New York–style bagels, breakfast sandwiches, deli items and coffee, serving morning commuters and families, and known for authentic bagel craft, strong local presence and franchise scalability.
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House of Bread is a bakery-café franchise offering freshly baked artisan breads, pastries, sandwiches and café meals, serving families and casual diners, and known for hand-crafted baking, community-driven brand and multi-stream revenue.
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