2014
5
$100,000
$25,000
$350,000
No
Cajun Market Donut Co. is a vibrant, family-owned donut shop that brings the rich culinary traditions of Louisiana to the breakfast table. Since its inception in 2014, the brand has become a beloved staple in Lafayette and Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, known for its melt-in-your-mouth glazed donuts, king cakes, and a variety of sweet and savory pastries.
The franchise combines the warmth of Southern hospitality with the efficiency of a fast-casual model, offering a unique blend of local flavor and operational excellence. With a commitment to quality ingredients and community engagement, Cajun Market Donut Co. has cultivated a loyal customer base and is poised for expansion across the United States.
Proven Concept: Established in 2014, Cajun Market Donut Co. has a track record of success in the competitive donut industry.
Unique Offerings: The menu features a distinctive mix of traditional donuts and regional specialties, setting it apart from other franchises.
Community Engagement: Strong ties to local communities and partnerships with institutions like the University of Louisiana at Lafayette enhance brand visibility.
Scalable Model: The franchise offers a flexible model adaptable to various locations, from standalone shops to university campuses.
Supportive Network: Franchisees benefit from comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring operational success.
Established Year: 2014
Founder: Nathan Liebert – an entrepreneur with deep roots in Louisiana’s food industry, who grew up in the donut business and brought over a decade of experience operating a previous franchise before creating Cajun Market Donut Co.
Brand Journey & Company History:
Cajun Market Donut Co. was born in Lafayette, Louisiana, with the vision of blending traditional American donut culture with the rich flavors and warm hospitality of Cajun heritage. Since opening its first location in 2014, the brand has quickly gained popularity for its freshly made donuts, kolaches, king cakes, and pastries. Unlike typical donut chains, Cajun Market Donut Co. built its reputation around authentic recipes, seasonal offerings, and community-focused service.
The company began as a family-owned business and has expanded across Acadiana with multiple stores serving Lafayette, Breaux Bridge, Carencro, Broussard, and a presence inside the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Bookstore. Each location reflects the brand’s mission to be more than just a donut shop—it’s a local gathering place that captures the essence of Southern comfort food.
Franchise Units: As of 2025, Cajun Market Donut Co. operates 4–5 units in Louisiana with additional university-based partnerships. Though still a regional brand, it has built a loyal following and is now preparing to scale nationally through franchising.
Ownership & Management:
The company remains privately owned by Nathan Liebert and his family, who continue to oversee brand development, operations, and franchise support. Their hands-on involvement ensures that new franchise partners receive guidance directly from leadership with real operational expertise.
Industry Category: Food & Beverage – Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) / Bakery Café / Donut Shop.
Market Presence in USA:
Currently concentrated in South Louisiana, Cajun Market Donut Co. has developed strong brand awareness in its home market. With the donut industry valued at over $7 billion in the U.S., the brand is positioned to attract investors looking for a differentiated niche in the bakery and coffee shop segment.
Competitive Edge:
Specializes in Cajun-inspired flavors and seasonal king cakes.
Strong community-based brand identity.
Combines fast-casual efficiency with a local bakery atmosphere.
Adaptable store models for standalone shops, campus outlets, and high-traffic areas.
Cajun Market Donut Co. offers a comprehensive support and training program for its franchisees, including:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, store design, and initial inventory setup.
Operational Training: In-depth training on daily operations, including donut preparation, customer service, and inventory management.
Marketing Support: Guidance on local marketing strategies, promotional events, and social media engagement to build brand awareness.
Ongoing Assistance: Continuous support through regular check-ins, performance evaluations, and updates on best practices.
This robust support system ensures that franchisees are well-equipped to manage and grow their businesses successfully.
The ideal franchisee for Cajun Market Donut Co. is:
Business-Oriented: Possesses a strong understanding of business operations and financial management.
Customer-Focused: Demonstrates a commitment to providing excellent customer service and building community relationships.
Passionate: Has a genuine interest in the food and beverage industry, particularly in baked goods.
Investable: Able to meet the financial requirements for franchise ownership.
Location-Flexible: Open to operating in various markets across the United States, with a preference for areas with a strong community presence.
Ideal candidates should be prepared to immerse themselves in the local culture and actively engage with the community to drive business success.
| Category | Estimated Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $150,000 – $350,000 | Includes all setup and launch costs. |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $75,000 – $100,000 | Recommended to cover startup and working capital needs. |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 – $40,000 | One-time fee to join the Cajun Market Donut Co. franchise system. |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | $80,000 – $200,000 | Covers leasehold improvements, signage, fixtures, and equipment. |
| Equipment & Inventory | $35,000 – $60,000 | Kitchen equipment, baking tools, initial ingredient supplies. |
| Marketing & Branding Budget | $10,000 – $20,000 | Initial local marketing campaign, grand opening, digital promotions. |
| Working Capital | $15,000 – $30,000 | For payroll, utilities, and operational costs during the first 3–6 months. |
| Royalty Fees | 5% – 6% of Gross Sales | Standard industry rate to support brand development and corporate services. |
| Marketing/Ad Fund Contribution | 1% – 2% of Gross Sales | Ongoing contribution to regional/national advertising and promotions. |
| Expected ROI | 20% – 25% annually (average) | Varies based on location, operations, and sales volume. |
| Break-Even Time | 18 – 36 months | Based on average sales projections in the quick-service bakery sector. |
| Potential Revenue Streams | - In-store donut & pastry sales - Coffee & beverages - Catering & events - Seasonal products (e.g., King Cakes) | Multiple income channels improve revenue potential. |
