Dunkin'
Coffee, doughnuts, baked goods
- 2022 Franchise 500 Rank
-
#11 Ranked #2 last year
- Initial investment
-
$438K - $1.8M
- Units as of 2022
-
12,957 0.0% over 3 years
Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in opening a Dunkin' franchise.
'Donut' worry about a thing with Dunkin'!
Back in 1948, Bill Rosenberg opened The Open Kettle in Quincy, Massachusetts. Rosenberg switched the name to Dunkin’ Donuts in 1950 and started franchising just seven years later. Now called Dunkin' (no Donuts), Dunkin' locations have a focus on donuts, bagels, coffee, and breakfast sandwiches.
Typically, most Dunkin’ locations cater to those looking for a breakfast starter but it can still be valuable for customers throughout the day. Dunkin' is a national brand and, as their slogan says, "America runs on Dunkin'."
Dunkin’ has a strong national and international presence, boasting over 9,400 U.S. franchises and another 3,4000+ internationally.
Why You May Want to Start a Dunkin’ Franchise
Owning a Dunkin' franchise may be a smart decision for franchisees who are community-oriented, enjoy food service, and can connect with both morning people and night owls. It may also be a suitable option for franchisees who want options for restaurant layout and operation times. A franchisee might be able to run drive-thru only, storefront only, or a combination of both. They may also be in a position to operate 24/7.
What Might Make a Dunkin' a Good Choice?
Dunkin' has made several improvements to its restaurant designs and continues to maintain its foothold in the market. As a franchisee, you might be able to take advantage of Dunkin's local branding methods and new and seasonal products. Customers may also take advantage of Dunkin' Rewards and reward opportunities specific to your location. You also may see the advantages of an expanded snack menu and breakfast options. This automatic diversification of revenue may result in better chances of customer conversion.
To be a part of the Dunkin’ team, you’ll want to make sure you are financially sound enough for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. In addition, you should prepare yourself for ongoing fees that will include advertising, royalty, and potential renewal fees.
How to Open a Dunkin' Franchise
Before making any financial commitment or signing an agreement, it is crucial that you perform your due diligence and establish if this is the right opportunity for you. Speak to existing franchisees and ask questions directed to the Dunkin' team. If your net worth and available liquid capital match the brand’s requirements, you may qualify to open a Dunkin' franchise, and you can get started with an initial investment.
As you decide if opening a Dunkin' franchise is the right decision for you, make sure you take time to explore the opportunity. Research the brand and your local area to see if a Dunkin' franchise would do well in your community. While competition is healthy, too much of it may not allow for the most possible growth. See what direct competitors are in your area and if it is over-saturated with local coffee or donut shops. You may also want to consider high-traffic areas and locations off of a highway.
If you do meet Dunkin' franchise criteria, then you'll be able to move onto the next step. You can start building your dream one donut at a time.
Company Overview
About Dunkin'
- Industry
- Food
- Related Categories
- Coffee, Baked Goods, Doughnuts, Breakfast/Brunch Restaurants
- Founded
- 1950
- Parent Company
- Inspire Brands
- Leadership
- Paul Brown, CEO
Franchising Overview
- Franchising Since
- 1955 (67 years)
- # of employees at HQ
- 3,000
- Where seeking
-
This company is seeking new franchisees throughout the US.
This company is seeking new franchisees worldwide.
- # of Units
- 12,957 (as of 2022)
Franchisor Information
Information for Franchisees
Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in opening a Dunkin' franchise.
Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees
Here’s what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.
- Initial Franchise Fee
- $40,000 - $90,000
- Initial Investment
- $437,500 - $1,787,700
- Net Worth Requirement
- $500,000
- Cash Requirement
- $250,000
- Veteran Incentives
- 20% off franchise fee for first five traditional restaurants
- Royalty Fee
- 5.9%
- Ad Royalty Fee
- 5%
- Term of Agreement
- 20 years
- Is franchise term renewable?
- Yes
Financing Options
Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.
- Third Party Financing
- Dunkin' has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, payroll
Training & Support Offered
Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.
- On-The-Job Training
- 165-255 hours
- Classroom Training
- 46.5-52.5 hours
- Ongoing Support
-
Purchasing Co-opsNewsletterMeetings & ConventionsToll-Free LineGrand OpeningOnline SupportSecurity & Safety ProceduresLease NegotiationField OperationsProprietary SoftwareFranchisee Intranet Platform
- Marketing Support
-
Co-op AdvertisingAd TemplatesNational MediaRegional AdvertisingSocial MediaSEOWebsite DevelopmentEmail MarketingLoyalty Program/App
Operations
Additional details about running this franchise.
- Is absentee ownership allowed?
- No
- Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit?
- No
- Can this franchise be run part time?
- No
- Are exclusive territories available?
- Yes
Franchise 500 Ranking History
Compare where Dunkin' landed on this year’s Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.
Additional Rankings
Curious to know where Dunkin' ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.
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