Doughnuts are a timeless treat that delights people of all ages across the globe. Their universal appeal and the ever-growing demand for sweet, indulgent snacks make doughnut franchises a highly attractive investment opportunity for entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry. Star Brands Consulting Group is excited to present a comprehensive list of the top 30 doughnut franchise opportunities from leading American and international brands. These franchises are celebrated for their exceptional quality, strong brand presence, and robust support systems, ensuring a solid foundation for your business venture. Discover the diverse world of doughnut franchises below:
Leading Doughnut Franchise Brands
1. Krispy Kreme
- Locations: 1,400+
- Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
- USP: Signature hot, glazed doughnuts, known for the “Hot Now” sign.
- Overview: Krispy Kreme is synonymous with freshly made, hot doughnuts that attract customers with their iconic “Hot Now” sign. The brand’s focus on quality and the unique experience of witnessing doughnuts being made in-store sets it apart. With a loyal customer base and a strong global presence, Krispy Kreme offers comprehensive training and support to its franchisees, ensuring operational excellence and consistent product quality.
2. Dunkin’ (formerly Dunkin’ Donuts)
- Locations: 12,900+
- Headquarters: Canton, Massachusetts, USA
- USP: Broad menu with doughnuts, coffee, and all-day breakfast.
- Overview: Dunkin’ is a powerhouse in the doughnut and coffee industry, renowned for its extensive menu that caters to a wide range of tastes. Offering everything from classic glazed doughnuts to specialty flavors, along with a robust coffee selection and all-day breakfast options, Dunkin’ provides a versatile franchise model. Their strong brand recognition and innovative marketing strategies make Dunkin’ a top choice for franchisees seeking a well-established brand with proven success.
3. Tim Hortons
- Locations: 5,300+
- Headquarters: Toronto, Canada
- USP: Coffee-focused brand with doughnuts and baked goods, strong Canadian identity.
- Overview: Tim Hortons is a beloved Canadian institution known for its high-quality coffee and delicious doughnuts. The brand emphasizes a warm, community-oriented atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for locals. With a diverse menu that includes everything from Timbits to specialty beverages, Tim Hortons offers franchisees a strong support network and a proven business model that thrives in both urban and suburban settings.
4. Shipley Do-Nuts
- Locations: 300+
- Headquarters: Houston, Texas, USA
- USP: Freshly made, classic southern-style doughnuts.
- Overview: Shipley Do-Nuts brings the rich tradition of Southern doughnut making to a broader audience. Known for their fresh, made-to-order doughnuts and friendly service, Shipley Do-Nuts offers a nostalgic yet vibrant franchise opportunity. Their focus on quality ingredients and consistent product offerings ensures customer satisfaction and repeat business, making it an appealing option for entrepreneurs seeking a reliable and beloved brand.
5. Daylight Donuts
- Locations: 950+
- Headquarters: Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
- USP: Light, fluffy doughnuts, wide selection of flavors, family-friendly atmosphere.
- Overview: Daylight Donuts is celebrated for its airy, melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts and an extensive variety of flavors that cater to all preferences. The brand fosters a family-friendly environment, making it a popular choice for all age groups. With a strong emphasis on customer service and community engagement, Daylight Donuts provides franchisees with comprehensive training and marketing support to ensure their success in the competitive doughnut market.
6. Duck Donuts
- Locations: 100+
- Headquarters: Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, USA
- USP: Customizable doughnuts made-to-order with a variety of toppings.
- Overview: Duck Donuts revolutionizes the doughnut experience by allowing customers to create their own unique doughnut masterpieces. Made-to-order on a heated grill, these customizable doughnuts offer endless topping possibilities, from drizzles to sprinkles. This interactive and personalized approach not only enhances customer satisfaction but also drives repeat business. Duck Donuts provides a supportive franchise system with a focus on innovation and quality.
7. Honey Dew Donuts
- Locations: 145+
- Headquarters: Plainville, Massachusetts, USA
- USP: Fresh coffee and doughnuts, emphasizing community and local flavor.
- Overview: Honey Dew Donuts prides itself on offering fresh, high-quality doughnuts paired with excellent coffee. The brand emphasizes building strong community ties and incorporating local flavors into its menu, which helps in creating a loyal customer base. Franchisees benefit from Honey Dew Donuts’ comprehensive training programs, marketing support, and a business model that prioritizes customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
8. Cumberland Farms
- Locations: 600+
- Headquarters: Westborough, Massachusetts, USA
- USP: Convenience store chain offering fresh doughnuts and coffee at affordable prices.
- Overview: Cumberland Farms combines the convenience of a well-stocked store with the appeal of fresh doughnuts and quality coffee. As a franchisee, you can leverage the brand’s extensive network and established reputation to attract a steady flow of customers. Cumberland Farms focuses on affordability and accessibility, making it an ideal choice for entrepreneurs looking to operate within high-traffic locations such as gas stations and urban centers.
9. Winchell’s Donut House
- Locations: 170+
- Headquarters: City of Industry, California, USA
- USP: Affordable doughnuts with 70+ varieties, popular on the West Coast.
- Overview: Winchell’s Donut House offers an impressive variety of over 70 doughnut flavors, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. Known for their affordability and extensive selection, Winchell’s attracts a broad customer base. The franchise provides robust support in terms of training, marketing, and operations, ensuring that each location maintains the high standards synonymous with the brand.
10. Voodoo Doughnut
- Locations: 15+
- Headquarters: Portland, Oregon, USA
- USP: Quirky and unique doughnut flavors and designs, often unconventional.
- Overview: Voodoo Doughnut stands out in the crowded doughnut market with its bold, unconventional flavors and eye-catching designs. From bacon-topped creations to rainbow-frosted delights, Voodoo offers a memorable and Instagram-worthy experience that attracts a trendy, adventurous clientele. Franchisees benefit from the brand’s strong local following, creative marketing strategies, and a distinctive niche that sets them apart from traditional doughnut shops.
11. Donut King (Australia)
- Locations: 300+
- Headquarters: Queensland, Australia
- USP: Affordable, everyday doughnuts, catering to families.
- Overview: Donut King is a leading Australian doughnut franchise known for its affordability and wide range of everyday doughnuts. The brand focuses on providing value without compromising on taste or quality, making it a favorite among families and budget-conscious consumers. With a strong presence in Australia and expanding internationally, Donut King offers franchisees a reliable business model with extensive support and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
12. LaMar’s Donuts
- Locations: 25+
- Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, USA
- USP: Hand-rolled doughnuts made from a 1930s recipe, praised for quality and taste.
- Overview: LaMar’s Donuts brings a touch of vintage charm with its hand-rolled doughnuts made from a cherished 1930s recipe. Known for their exceptional quality and rich flavors, LaMar’s creates a nostalgic experience that resonates with customers seeking traditional, high-quality doughnuts. The franchise offers personalized support and a focus on maintaining the artisanal quality that defines the brand.
13. The Donut Experiment
- Locations: 15+
- Headquarters: Anna Maria Island, Florida, USA
- USP: Made-to-order doughnuts with a customizable selection of icings and toppings.
- Overview: The Donut Experiment offers a fun and interactive doughnut experience where customers can customize their doughnuts with a variety of icings and toppings. This hands-on approach not only enhances customer engagement but also allows for endless creativity and personalization. Franchisees benefit from a unique product offering, strong brand identity, and comprehensive training that ensures consistent quality and customer satisfaction.
14. J.CO Donuts & Coffee (Asia-based)
- Locations: 300+
- Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia
- USP: Light doughnuts with a variety of Asian-inspired flavors, paired with coffee.
- Overview: J.CO Donuts & Coffee blends traditional doughnut offerings with Asian-inspired flavors, creating a unique and appealing menu that caters to diverse tastes. Known for their light and fluffy doughnuts, J.CO also emphasizes quality coffee pairings, making it a popular choice for customers seeking both sweet and savory options. The franchise provides robust support and a strong brand presence in the competitive Asian market.
15. Big Apple Donuts & Coffee (Southeast Asia)
- Locations: 80+
- Headquarters: Selangor, Malaysia
- USP: Soft and fluffy doughnuts with diverse flavor options, a strong presence in Asia.
- Overview: Big Apple Donuts & Coffee has established itself as a leading doughnut franchise in Southeast Asia, known for its soft, fluffy doughnuts and a wide array of flavors that cater to local and international tastes. The brand combines quality products with a welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for both casual and dedicated doughnut lovers. Franchisees benefit from a well-established distribution network and strong brand recognition in the region.
16. Donut Connection
- Locations: 300+
- Headquarters: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
- USP: Focused on traditional doughnuts, affordable pricing, and community ties.
- Overview: Donut Connection is dedicated to providing classic, traditional doughnuts at affordable prices. The brand emphasizes community involvement and customer loyalty, creating a warm and inviting environment for all patrons. With a focus on simplicity and consistency, Donut Connection offers franchisees a straightforward business model backed by strong support and a commitment to maintaining the timeless appeal of their doughnuts.
17. Hurts Donut Co.
- Locations: 20+
- Headquarters: Springfield, Missouri, USA
- USP: Wild and creative doughnut flavors, known for large portions and unusual ingredients.
- Overview: Hurts Donut Co. pushes the boundaries of traditional doughnuts with its bold and creative flavor combinations. From savory options to indulgent sweet creations, Hurts Donut Co. offers something for every adventurous palate. The brand’s commitment to innovation and quality ensures a unique customer experience, while franchisees benefit from a distinctive product lineup and comprehensive operational support.
18. Top Pot Doughnuts
- Locations: 20+
- Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, USA
- USP: Hand-forged, gourmet doughnuts with vintage aesthetics.
- Overview: Top Pot Doughnuts combines artisanal craftsmanship with a charming, vintage ambiance. Each doughnut is hand-forged to ensure the highest quality and taste, appealing to discerning customers who appreciate gourmet treats. The brand’s dedication to excellence and its inviting storefronts create a loyal customer base, while franchisees receive thorough training and support to maintain the premium standards synonymous with Top Pot Doughnuts.
19. Long’s Bakery
- Locations: 2
- Headquarters: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- USP: Known for fresh, handmade doughnuts and pastries, beloved local institution.
- Overview: Long’s Bakery is a beloved local institution known for its fresh, handmade doughnuts and delectable pastries. With a focus on quality ingredients and traditional baking methods, Long’s offers a homestyle experience that resonates with the community. Although currently operating in a limited number of locations, Long’s Bakery presents a unique opportunity for franchisees to join a cherished brand with strong local support and potential for growth.
20. Peace, Love and Little Donuts
- Locations: 40+
- Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- USP: Mini-sized doughnuts with a variety of creative toppings, fun and colorful.
- Overview: Peace, Love and Little Donuts specializes in mini-sized doughnuts that are as fun to look at as they are to eat. With a vibrant and colorful presentation, these doughnuts come with a variety of creative toppings that appeal to both children and adults. The brand’s playful approach and emphasis on quality ingredients make it a standout in the market, while franchisees enjoy a unique product offering and strong brand support.
21. Randy’s Donuts
- Overview: A Los Angeles icon since 1952, Randy’s Donuts has expanded its brand with franchise opportunities. Famous for its giant donut sign, it offers a wide variety of classic and creative donuts.
- USP: Iconic branding with a strong presence in pop culture and delicious, classic donuts.
- Headquarters: Inglewood, California, USA
- Number of Locations: 20+
- Investment Cost: Approximately $350,000 – $500,000
22. Doughnut Vault
- Overview: Known for its artisan donuts made from scratch using high-quality ingredients. Doughnut Vault offers a limited but rotating selection of flavors each day.
- USP: Emphasis on unique, gourmet flavors and quality craftsmanship.
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Number of Locations: Over 10
- Investment Cost: Typically ranges from $200,000 to $300,000.
23. Doughnut Time (Australia)
- Locations: 10+
- Headquarters: Brisbane, Australia
- USP: Over-the-top, indulgent doughnuts, often Instagrammable and creatively designed.
- Overview: Doughnut Time is known for its extravagant and visually stunning doughnuts that are perfect for social media sharing. The brand’s focus on creativity and indulgence attracts a trendy, younger demographic looking for unique and photogenic treats. Franchisees benefit from Doughnut Time’s strong brand identity, innovative product offerings, and marketing strategies that leverage the power of social media to drive customer engagement and sales.
24. Stan’s Donuts & Coffee
- Locations: 12+
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- USP: Unique artisanal doughnuts with a mix of classic and trendy flavors.
- Overview: Stan’s Donuts & Coffee blends traditional doughnut craftsmanship with modern, trendy flavors to create a versatile and appealing menu. The brand emphasizes quality ingredients and artisanal techniques, ensuring each doughnut is a work of art. With a strong focus on customer experience and a welcoming atmosphere, Stan’s provides franchisees with the tools and support needed to deliver exceptional products and build a loyal customer base.
25. Mister Donut
- Locations: 9,200+
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan (originally USA)
- USP: Extensive variety of doughnut flavors and styles, especially popular in Japan and Asia.
- Overview: Mister Donut is a global leader in the doughnut industry, boasting over 9,200 locations worldwide. Particularly dominant in Japan and other Asian markets, Mister Donut offers an extensive variety of flavors and styles that cater to local tastes while maintaining classic favorites. The brand’s strong international presence and adaptable business model make it an excellent choice for franchisees looking to tap into diverse markets with a trusted and well-established name.
26. Rise Biscuits Donuts
- Overview: Rise Biscuits Donuts is known for serving creative and fresh donuts alongside made-from-scratch biscuits. This franchise focuses on southern-inspired breakfast options, offering a variety of sweet and savory treats.
- USP: Handmade donuts and biscuits with a focus on bold flavors and quality ingredients.
- Headquarters: Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Number of Locations: 15+
- Investment Costs: $350,000 – $500,000
27. Pinkbox Doughnuts
Locations: 12+
Headquarters: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
USP: Known for its fun, whimsical doughnut designs and innovative flavors, Pinkbox Doughnuts offers a playful, high-quality product. It has a loyal customer base and a growing presence in Nevada and beyond.
28. The Dapper Doughnut
- Locations: 30+
- Headquarters: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
- USP: Made-to-order mini doughnuts with a variety of gourmet toppings.
- Overview: The Dapper Doughnut specializes in made-to-order mini doughnuts that come with a wide array of gourmet toppings. This customizable approach allows customers to enjoy a personalized doughnut experience, fostering repeat business and customer loyalty. The brand’s focus on quality and creativity, combined with a strong presence in Las Vegas, provides franchisees with a compelling business opportunity backed by a trendy and dynamic brand identity.
29. Fractured Prune
- Locations: 20+
- Headquarters: Ocean City, Maryland, USA
- USP: Made-to-order doughnuts, where customers can choose their glaze and toppings.
- Overview: Fractured Prune offers a unique take on doughnuts by allowing customers to customize their orders with a variety of glazes and toppings. This made-to-order model not only enhances the customer experience but also ensures freshness and quality in every bite. Franchisees benefit from a flexible business model that encourages creativity and customer engagement, supported by a brand that values quality and innovation.
30. Gonuts Donuts
- Locations: 20+
- Headquarters: Manila, Philippines
- USP: Affordable, popular in Southeast Asia with various flavors catered to local tastes.
- Overview: Gonuts Donuts has made a significant impact in Southeast Asia with its affordable pricing and diverse range of flavors tailored to local preferences. The brand’s ability to adapt to different markets while maintaining high standards of quality has made it a popular choice among consumers. Franchisees can leverage Gonuts Donuts’ strong regional presence and adaptable menu to establish successful locations in various Southeast Asian markets.
Get Started with Star Brands Consulting Group
At Star Brands Consulting Group, we are dedicated to guiding aspiring entrepreneurs through the exciting journey of owning a doughnut franchise. Navigating the vast array of franchise opportunities can be daunting, but our experienced team is here to streamline the process and help you make informed decisions that align with your business goals and personal aspirations.
Whether you are drawn to a global giant like Dunkin’ with its extensive menu and widespread recognition, or a niche brand like Voodoo Doughnut that offers a unique and creative product line, our curated selection features a diverse range of American and international franchises. We understand that each entrepreneur has unique needs, and we pride ourselves on matching you with a franchise that fits your investment capacity, experience level, and market preferences.
Doughnuts continue to be a beloved treat worldwide, offering endless possibilities for innovation and customer engagement. Investing in a doughnut franchise not only provides a sweet business opportunity but also allows you to be part of a community-focused and joyful industry. At Star Brands Consulting Group, we leverage our deep industry knowledge and extensive network to ensure that you have access to the best franchise opportunities available.
By partnering with us, you gain access to comprehensive support services that cover every aspect of your franchise journey—from initial consultation and market analysis to site selection and operational training. We are committed to your success, providing ongoing assistance and resources to help you build and grow a thriving doughnut business.
The world of doughnuts is rich with tradition, creativity, and potential. Let Star Brands Consulting Group help you navigate this flavorful landscape with confidence and expertise. Together, we can turn your entrepreneurial dreams into a delicious reality.
Contact Star Brands Consulting Group today to embark on your journey toward doughnut franchise ownership. Let us help you unlock the sweet path to success in the vibrant and ever-popular doughnut industry.