Established
2014
Franchise Units
4
Minimum Investment
$190,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$350,000
Home Based
No
Description
Unlock your entrepreneurial potential with a sweet, unique concept: a Da Vinci's Donuts franchise! In a saturated Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) and bakery industry, Da Vinci's Donuts stands out by blending artisanal quality with an interactive, family-friendly customer experience. We are not your typical donut shop; we are a destination for creativity, community, and customizable, high-quality gourmet treats.
Our core concept revolves around small-batch, made-to-order donuts served fresh and warm. Customers are invited to be the 'artist' and design their own masterpiece from a selection of signature icings, abundant gourmet toppings, and delicious drizzles, offering endless possibilities and high repeat traffic. This interactive 'design-your-own' model drives engagement, social media buzz, and a high level of customer satisfaction that traditional pre-made donut shops simply can't match.
Da Vinci's Donuts has cultivated a strong reputation in the USA market, particularly within the Atlanta, Georgia area where it was founded. The brand is synonymous with fresh product, low-guilt indulgence (thanks to our lighter, smaller, cake-style donut), and a deep commitment to family and community. This positioning in the premium, fast-casual dessert and coffee space allows franchisees to capture customers seeking quality, experience, and a vibrant atmosphere. With a low cost of entry for the QSR sector and an operationally simple model, Da Vinci's Donuts is perfectly positioned for aggressive national expansion, offering a ground-floor opportunity for the right entrepreneurs.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Unique & Differentiated Concept: The custom, made-to-order model eliminates product waste, ensures unparalleled freshness, and creates a memorable customer experience that is highly marketable. No more stale donuts—everything is made hot and fresh right in front of the customer.
Low Initial Investment: With an estimated low cost of entry (often cited as less than and potentially less than ), Da Vinci's Donuts is one of the most accessible gourmet QSR opportunities, lowering the barrier to entry for aspiring owners.
Simplified, Low-Overhead Operations: The operational model is designed for simplicity with limited hours, generally allowing for a better work-life balance compared to 24/7 or late-night food service concepts. Low Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) and manageable labor costs are key advantages in the competitive food industry.
Community-Focused Brand: The brand is built on a foundation of family, community involvement, and local art, attracting a loyal customer base and fostering strong local ties through fundraising and community events.
Multiple Revenue Streams: Beyond the core retail sales of custom donuts and specialty coffee, the model is perfectly suited for high-volume catering, corporate events, birthday parties, and donut decorating kits, diversifying revenue and increasing profitability.
Full Corporate Support: Franchisees are treated like family, receiving comprehensive support from site selection through grand opening and beyond, setting the stage for a strong launch and sustained success.
Background
Founding & Founders:
Da Vinci’s Donuts was founded in 2014 by Melissa and Andrew Rudd. The brand began as a home-based venture, where the founders experimented with gourmet donut recipes. Their vision was to reimagine the classic donut shop, offering both specialty flavors and customizable options for customers of all ages.
Franchise Units & Expansion:
Currently, Da Vinci’s Donuts operates four locations in Georgia:
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Roswell – Southern Post development.
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Alpharetta – 131 S. Main Street, Suite F.
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Sandy Springs – 5610 Glenridge Drive, Suite 103.
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Dawsonville – Publix at Dawsonville Crossroads Shopping Center.
The Dunwoody location, opening in fall 2025, is set to be the first franchise-operated store, marking the brand’s official expansion into franchising.
Brand Journey:
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2014: Melissa and Andrew Rudd start making gourmet donuts at home.
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2015–2017: First retail store opens, offering creative flavors and a community-focused atmosphere.
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2018–2021: Expansion of additional locations and preparation for franchise opportunities.
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2025: Launch of first official franchise location in Dunwoody.
Ownership:
The company remains privately owned by its founders, ensuring a consistent brand experience across all locations and a hands-on approach to operations and quality control.
Market Presence in the USA:
Da Vinci’s Donuts has established itself in Georgia’s quick-service bakery market, gaining a loyal following due to:
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Customizable donuts with unique flavors.
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Family-friendly and community-oriented stores.
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High-quality ingredients and creative offerings.
Industry Category:
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Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) – Bakery/Café
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Positioned as a gourmet donut shop blending fast service with premium products.
Key Highlights:
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Innovative menu including Maple Bacon, Salted Caramel, and Build-Your-Own Donuts.
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Strong community engagement through events and local collaborations.
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Franchise-ready business model with operational and marketing support.
Support Training
Da Vinci's Donuts is committed to ensuring every franchisee is fully prepared for success, offering a multi-faceted support system that treats franchisees like family:
Pre-Launch Support (Site Selection & Development):
Real Estate Assistance: Guidance on target demographics, trade area analysis, and optimal site selection criteria to maximize visibility and traffic.
Lease Negotiation Support: Assistance in navigating commercial lease terms to secure favorable agreements.
Store Build-Out Guidance: Detailed plans, design assistance, and vendor management support to ensure efficient and cost-effective construction and equipment procurement.
Academic & Initial Training:
Comprehensive Training Program: A required training program covering all facets of the business, including proprietary donut production techniques (which are simpler than traditional bakeries), inventory management, customer service standards, and POS system operation.
On-Site Opening Assistance: Direct support from the corporate team at your new location leading up to and including the Grand Opening to ensure a smooth launch.
Operational & Ongoing Support:
Franchise Business Consultants (FBCs): Dedicated support personnel who conduct regular check-ins, performance reviews, and operational coaching.
Supply Chain Management: Access to approved, high-quality, and cost-effective suppliers for all ingredients, coffee, and packaging.
Technology & Systems: Implementation and support for point-of-sale (POS) systems, scheduling software (like Deputy), and digital ordering platforms to streamline operations.
Marketing & Brand Support:
High-Level Branding: Franchisees benefit from established, professional branding and creative marketing materials.
Grand Opening Marketing Strategy: A tested plan to generate buzz and traffic for your launch.
Ongoing Local Marketing Support: Access to a full-service marketing agency for support with local store marketing, social media strategies, and community engagement/fundraising programs.
Ideal Candidate
Da Vinci's Donuts is looking for partners who are enthusiastic about the brand, passionate about community, and possess the necessary resources and drive:
Passion & Culture Fit: A genuine passion for people and a desire to create a fun, positive, family-friendly environment. Must embody positive energy and a commitment to exceptional customer experience.
Business Background: Prior QSR, retail, or management experience is a plus, but not strictly required. The key is strong business acumen, leadership skills, and a willingness to follow a proven system.
Time Commitment: Must be willing to be hands-on and actively involved in the day-to-day operations and community relationship building, especially in the initial phase. This is not typically a semi-absentee model.
Investment Capability: Must have sufficient liquid capital and overall net worth to cover the total investment, which includes all startup costs, the franchise fee, and necessary working capital.
Location Preference: Entrepreneurs looking to open in high-traffic retail centers, family-oriented suburban areas, or thriving downtown/lifestyle developments are preferred. A focus on local community involvement is crucial. The franchisor seeks to establish a national footprint and welcomes multi-unit developers.
Financial Detail
The following figures are estimates and illustrative of the QSR segment; final, precise costs are detailed in the official FDD.