Parlor Doughnuts serves handcrafted gourmet doughnuts in a variety of creative flavors, along with coffee and espresso drinks, providing a sweet and indulgent treat for doughnut lovers.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
54
+
500%
500%
Franchise fee
?
$40,000
Investment
?
$437,000 - $838,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$838,000
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Parlor Doughnuts is a distinctive franchise specializing in gourmet doughnuts that deliver a unique twist on a classic treat. Founded in 2019 in the vibrant city of Evansville, Indiana, this innovative doughnut chain is headquartered there and has quickly gained recognition for its creative and high-quality offerings.
Parlor Doughnuts began franchising in 2021, marking its expansion from a popular local favorite to a nationwide presence.
The franchise sets itself apart from the competition by emphasizing an artisanal approach to doughnut-making, using premium ingredients and unique recipes that cater to diverse tastes. Their menu features a variety of flavors, from classic favorites to seasonal and specialty options, all crafted with a focus on both taste and presentation.
Parlor Doughnuts’ commitment to exceptional quality and customer experience helps it stand out in a crowded market, appealing to doughnut enthusiasts and casual consumers alike.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Parlor Doughnuts franchise is
$437,000 - $838,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance 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 for initial franchised business; 75% for second and third; 50% for fourth and additional
Opening Inventory – boxes, cups, food, coffee, supplies, etc.
$25,000 - $35,000
Opening Inventory – merchandise for sale (mugs, shirts, stickers, glasses, hats, etc.)
$7,000 - $14,000
Lease and Utilities
$7,000 - $15,000 per month
Security Deposit
$7,000 - $15,000
Design Professional Fees
$10,000 - $30,000
General Contractor Fees
$25,000 - $50,000
Build-out of Approved Location (Second Generation)
$125,000 - $250,000
Signage
$10,000 - $25,000
Furniture, Fixtures, and Décor
$25,000 - $55,000
Equipment
$120,000 - $190,000
Initial Training (including Your Travel Expenses)
$2,000 - $9,000
Pre–Opening and Grand Opening Advertising and Marketing
$5,000 - $10,000
Legal and Accounting Fees Related to Startup Assistance
$2,000 - $5,000
Computer System and Required Hardware and Operating System plus Recommended Security Systems
Below is Parlor Doughnuts's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Parlor Doughnuts had 63 total units in 2025, of which 54 were franchised-owned and 9 company-owned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the royalty fee?
The royalty fee for a Parlor Doughnuts franchise is 5.00%. In addition, you would have to pay the advertising (or national brand fund) fee of 2.00%.
What is the total investment?
The initial investment required for a Parlor Doughnuts franchise is $437,000 - $838,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for a Parlor Doughnuts franchise is $40,000. This is typically paid upfront as part of the total initial investment, after signature of the Franchise Agreeement.
Parlor Doughnuts offers a comprehensive training program for its franchisees to ensure consistency and high quality across all locations. The training typically includes:
Operational Training: Franchisees receive detailed instruction on daily operations, including doughnut preparation, inventory management, equipment use, and maintaining hygiene standards. This ensures that every location adheres to the franchise’s high standards of quality and service.
Customer Service Training: Emphasis is placed on providing exceptional customer service, including training staff on effective communication, handling customer inquiries, and creating a welcoming atmosphere in the store.
Marketing and Sales Training: Franchisees learn about the brand’s marketing strategies, promotional campaigns, and sales techniques to effectively attract and retain customers. This training includes guidance on local store marketing, social media engagement, and community involvement.
Business Management Training: Training covers essential aspects of business management, such as financial tracking, budgeting, and staff management. This helps franchisees run their operations efficiently and effectively.
Territory Protection
Parlor Doughnuts provides territory protection to its franchisees, ensuring that each location operates in a defined and exclusive geographic area. This protection prevents new franchises from opening within the protected territory, allowing franchisees to maximize their market potential without direct competition from other Parlor Doughnuts stores.
The franchise’s territory protection policy is designed to support franchisees in building a strong customer base and achieving sustainable growth. By limiting the number of stores in a given area, Parlor Doughnuts helps franchisees maintain a competitive edge and enhance their profitability.