Duck Donuts
Founded in 2006 in Duck, North Carolina, Duck Donuts serves warm, made-to-order doughnuts and drinks. The US-born franchise opened its first UK shop in Belfast in 2025.
About Duck Donuts
Duck Donuts began in Duck, North Carolina, in 2006, founded by Russ DiGilio and Robin Griffith. Its first shop opened in 2007, offering warm cake doughnuts prepared to order and finished with customers’ chosen coatings, toppings and drizzles. The brand also sells coffee and other drinks, alongside additional bakery treats.
After launching its franchise programme in 2013, the business expanded across the United States and into international markets. Its first UK shop opened on Ormeau Road in Belfast in 2025. The official international directory now lists locations in several countries, including the UK, Thailand, Qatar, Pakistan and Egypt.
Duck Donuts is seeking experienced regional developers able to build a multi-site business. International franchisees receive territory development rights, structured training and operational support.
Why franchise with Duck Donuts
- Introduce warm, made-to-order doughnuts with toppings and drizzles chosen by each customer.
- Develop a distinctive dessert concept with coffee, snacks and opportunities across dayparts.
- Explore exclusive international development territories with an agreed opening schedule.
- Access four weeks of management training split between an established market and your country.
- Receive support with store operations, real estate, construction and local marketing activity.
- Build a regional multi-site business backed by an established US-born international brand.
Investment breakdown
| Minimum investment | £250,000 |
|---|---|
| Maximum investment | £300,000 |
| Franchise fee | £50,000 |
| Management service fee | On request |
| Marketing contribution | On request |
| Agreement term | 10 years for the international development programme |
What's expected of a franchisee
Property requirements
Duck Donuts operates customer-facing shops preparing warm doughnuts to order, with space for production equipment, finishing stations, service and drinks. The franchisor provides real estate and construction guidance, while international franchisees purchase agreed equipment and supplies separately. Prospective area developers must assess suitable high-footfall premises, leases and local approvals.
Training and support
International franchisees receive a four-week management training programme: two weeks in an established market and two weeks in their own country. Duck Donuts also provides in-country training for staff before opening and ongoing operational support. Initial training does not attract an additional fee, but agreed equipment and supplies are charged separately. The US franchise programme describes assistance with real estate, construction and marketing; UK-specific terms require confirmation.
Operational requirements
Operators prepare warm cake doughnuts to order, applying customers’ selected coatings, toppings and drizzles, alongside serving beverages and other menu items. Franchisees must oversee food safety, ingredients, staffing, service standards, local marketing and financial controls. International developers agree an opening schedule and must manage expansion across their territory. The company requires a dedicated management team and a detailed three-to-five-year business plan.
Experience required
Duck Donuts seeks international franchise partners with management and business experience, strong operational capabilities and sufficient financial resources. Previous foodservice or franchise experience is not necessarily required. Applicants must present a detailed three-to-five-year business plan and appoint a management team committed full-time to developing and operating the brand. Regional and country development opportunities suit operators able to manage multiple locations.
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