2016
4
$350,000
$35,000
$650,000
No
HenDough is redefining comfort food with its irresistible combination of Southern fried chicken, gourmet doughnuts, and local craft coffee. Born in the heart of Hendersonville, North Carolina, HenDough has quickly become a cult favorite for its playful menu, community-driven culture, and Instagram-worthy creations that blend indulgence with quality. The brand’s concept is simple yet powerful: bringing joy through freshly made food that turns everyday meals into memorable experiences.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, HenDough represents a rare opportunity to join one of the most innovative fast-casual restaurant franchises in America. The brand bridges the gap between quick service and premium dining, appealing to families, foodies, and millennials who crave both authenticity and convenience. With its growing recognition and proven business model, HenDough is poised to expand across the USA as one of the most exciting food franchise opportunities in the comfort food space.
Investing in a HenDough franchise means joining a brand that understands what modern diners want — bold flavors, fun experiences, and social-media-worthy meals. Unlike typical fried chicken or bakery concepts, HenDough has carved a unique niche where breakfast meets lunch and indulgence meets innovation.
Key reasons to invest:
Unique Market Position: Combines three high-demand segments — fried chicken, doughnuts, and coffee — under one recognizable brand.
Strong Brand Story: Founded by experienced chefs with a passion for elevating comfort food using local ingredients and scratch-made recipes.
Diverse Revenue Streams: All-day menu drives sales from breakfast through dinner, maximizing daily foot traffic.
Operational Simplicity: Streamlined kitchen model, efficient menu engineering, and easy-to-train processes ensure consistency and profitability.
High Consumer Loyalty: A menu designed for repeat visits and high word-of-mouth marketing.
Franchise Growth Momentum: Rapidly expanding in key U.S. markets with strong support systems for new franchise owners.
HenDough was founded in 2016 in Hendersonville, North Carolina, by chefs Paul and Sarah Klaassen, both of whom had extensive culinary experience in the hospitality industry before launching their own venture. Their goal was to bring people together through bold, comforting flavors — and that’s exactly what they achieved with HenDough: a modern twist on the Southern staples of fried chicken, doughnuts, and coffee.
The brand’s name — HenDough — cleverly represents its dual identity: “Hen” for chicken and “Dough” for its famous doughnuts. What started as a single community-focused restaurant quickly grew into a regional favorite, drawing food lovers from across the Carolinas. Guests fell in love not just with the crispy fried chicken and fluffy doughnuts but also with the warm, inviting environment and the brand’s commitment to freshness and local sourcing.
Encouraged by the restaurant’s loyal following and consistent profitability, the founders decided to franchise in 2021, giving other entrepreneurs the chance to share in their success. HenDough’s growth model is built on maintaining its signature quality and charm while scaling through efficient systems, proven recipes, and dedicated operational support.
Today, HenDough operates multiple company-owned and franchise units across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, with new developments underway in Georgia, Florida, and Texas. The brand is part of the thriving fast-casual dining industry, a sector valued at over $70 billion in the U.S. and projected to grow steadily as consumers continue to seek quality-driven yet convenient dining options.
HenDough’s strength lies in its balanced menu, approachable price point, and universal appeal across all dayparts — breakfast, lunch, and dinner. By positioning itself at the intersection of indulgence and accessibility, HenDough has carved out a strong market presence in the American comfort food landscape.
In summary:
Founded: 2016
Franchising Since: 2021
Founders: Paul & Sarah Klaassen
Headquarters: Hendersonville, North Carolina
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Restaurant / Comfort Food Franchise
Current Units: 4+ (franchise and company-owned)
Territories Available: Nationwide (priority in Southeast & Mid-Atlantic USA)
HenDough ensures every franchisee has the knowledge, confidence, and systems to thrive. From site selection to grand opening, franchisees receive ongoing, personalized support to simplify operations and maximize returns.
Pre-Launch Support:
Comprehensive site selection assistance and territory analysis
Restaurant layout, design, and build-out guidance
Vendor and equipment sourcing partnerships
Staff recruitment and onboarding frameworks
Training Program:
Initial Franchise Training: Conducted at corporate headquarters and live store locations, covering menu execution, food safety, inventory, POS systems, and leadership skills.
Management Training: Focus on financial management, customer service, and local marketing best practices.
Employee Training Tools: Detailed training manuals, digital resources, and video tutorials to maintain quality and brand standards.
Ongoing Support:
Marketing & Brand Support: National and local marketing campaigns, seasonal promotions, and social media templates.
Operational Guidance: Regular business reviews, operational audits, and performance analytics to ensure sustained profitability.
Technology Support: Access to integrated POS systems, online ordering platforms, and third-party delivery integrations.
Product Development: Continuous R&D introducing limited-time offers and innovative menu updates to keep customers engaged.
HenDough seeks franchise partners who share a love for food, hospitality, and local community connection. Prior restaurant experience is valuable but not mandatory; the company’s systems and training empower even first-time owners to succeed.
Ideal Candidates Should Have:
A passion for food, service, and building community relationships
Business or management experience with an entrepreneurial mindset
Commitment to maintaining HenDough’s brand culture and quality
Strong leadership and people management skills
Ability to invest in and actively oversee operations
Minimum liquid capital of $150,000 and net worth of $400,000+
HenDough franchises perform best in high-traffic areas, such as suburban centers, college towns, downtown business districts, and mixed-use developments where breakfast, brunch, and casual dining trends thrive.
HenDough offers a financially accessible path into the fast-casual restaurant industry with strong ROI potential due to its multi-meal model and efficient kitchen operations.
| Financial Element | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment | $350,000 – $650,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $350,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee | 2% national + local marketing spend |
| Working Capital | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Equipment & Build-Out | $200,000 – $400,000 (depending on size and market) |
| Training & Initial Inventory | $20,000 – $30,000 |
| Expected ROI | 20% – 30% (industry average range) |
| Break-Even Time | Typically within 18–30 months |
| Franchise Units (2025) | Multiple operating and several in development across Southeast USA |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, takeout, online delivery, catering, branded merchandise, and specialty beverages |
