1973
135
$250,000
$35,000
$650,000
No
Honey Dew Donuts is one of New England’s most cherished coffee and breakfast brands, known for its inviting atmosphere, delicious donuts, premium coffee, and warm community presence. Since its founding, the brand has built a loyal customer base by offering freshly made donuts, sandwiches, muffins, and a variety of hot and cold beverages crafted to perfection. As one of the few regional chains to successfully compete with national players, Honey Dew Donuts has earned a reputation for quality, consistency, and local charm.
For entrepreneurs seeking to own a recognized and community-driven franchise, Honey Dew Donuts represents a proven concept with decades of operational excellence. The brand’s philosophy is simple — serve high-quality coffee and baked goods with a smile. With its customer-first approach, affordable investment model, and established brand recognition, Honey Dew Donuts continues to thrive as a staple breakfast destination across the northeastern United States.
Investing in a Honey Dew Donuts franchise means partnering with a brand that has balanced tradition with innovation. With over four decades of experience, the company has created a time-tested business model designed for long-term sustainability and profitability.
Proven Business Model: Honey Dew Donuts has been operating successfully since the early 1970s, offering franchisees a clear blueprint for operational success.
Strong Brand Recognition: The brand enjoys widespread loyalty in New England, giving franchisees the advantage of operating under a trusted regional name.
Flexible Store Formats: Whether a full café or a smaller drive-thru model, franchisees can tailor their setup to fit their market’s needs and real estate.
Supportive Corporate Team: The franchisor provides detailed training, supply chain support, and ongoing operational assistance to ensure every franchisee thrives.
Affordable Entry Point: Compared to major coffee competitors, Honey Dew Donuts offers a lower total investment, making it an attractive option for first-time investors.
Community-Driven Approach: Each store emphasizes local engagement, creating repeat business through neighborhood connections and personalized service.
Founded: 1973
Founder: Richard J. “Dick” Bowen
Headquarters: Plainville, Massachusetts, USA
Industry: Quick-Service Restaurant (Coffee, Donuts & Breakfast)
Franchise Units: Over 135+ locations across New England
Honey Dew Donuts began as a single store in Mansfield, Massachusetts when Richard Bowen had a vision to serve fresh coffee and donuts in a friendly, community-oriented environment. His hands-on approach and focus on customer satisfaction quickly set Honey Dew apart from other chains.
Over time, the brand expanded through franchising, becoming one of New England’s largest locally owned coffee and donut chains. Today, Honey Dew Donuts remains privately owned and continues to emphasize quality, value, and personal relationships with both customers and franchise partners. Its consistent growth is attributed to its loyal customer base, strong operational systems, and emphasis on community presence.
Honey Dew Donuts offers a comprehensive franchise support system to guide new owners every step of the way—from signing the agreement to the grand opening and beyond.
1. Pre-Launch Support:
Site selection assistance and real estate guidance to identify optimal locations.
Detailed architectural and layout planning to align with Honey Dew’s brand identity.
Vendor introductions and approved equipment lists.
Step-by-step pre-opening checklist and project management guidance.
2. Initial Training Program:
Franchisees and their key team members undergo a rigorous training program covering:
Day-to-day store operations
Inventory management and product preparation
Staff hiring and customer service standards
POS and technology systems
Local marketing and promotional strategies
3. Ongoing Operational Support:
Once operational, franchisees receive continuous business reviews, field visits, and one-on-one coaching from Honey Dew’s experienced franchise team.
4. Marketing & Advertising Support:
The brand provides a blend of regional marketing initiatives and localized campaigns. Franchisees benefit from:
National and regional brand marketing
Digital marketing templates and strategies
Local store promotions and seasonal campaigns
Access to social media assets and merchandising materials
5. Supply Chain & Vendor Network:
Honey Dew Donuts has established relationships with approved suppliers to ensure consistency in ingredients, equipment, and packaging. Franchisees enjoy bulk purchasing power and quality control across all stores.
This structured support system ensures every franchisee—whether an experienced operator or a first-time investor—has the tools and resources to succeed.
Honey Dew Donuts is ideal for entrepreneurs who appreciate the value of community, consistency, and customer service.
The ideal franchisee should:
Have a passion for hospitality, food service, and creating memorable customer experiences.
Possess business management experience (food industry experience is helpful but not mandatory).
Be willing to follow a proven system while adding personal attention to local operations.
Have a strong work ethic and dedication to community engagement.
Possess a minimum liquidity and financial capability to support operations and initial setup.
Be interested in owning a single unit or expanding into multi-unit operations across growing territories.
Preferred Locations:
Honey Dew Donuts franchises are primarily concentrated in New England states such as Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. However, the brand welcomes inquiries from motivated investors in other U.S. regions who share the brand’s vision for expansion and community-based operations.
Owning a Honey Dew Donuts franchise offers one of the most affordable entry points in the quick-service breakfast category, particularly when compared to larger coffee chains.
| Financial Category | Estimated Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Initial Investment | $250,000 – $650,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $100,000 – $150,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing/Advertising Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Average Store Size | 1,200 – 2,000 sq. ft. |
| Working Capital | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Break-Even Point | Typically 18 – 36 months |
| Potential ROI | Varies by location, typically 15–20% annual returns after maturity |
| Revenue Streams | Coffee & beverages, donuts, sandwiches, catering, and seasonal specials |
Honey Dew Donuts offers franchisees flexibility in store design, including traditional cafés, drive-thru units, and non-traditional setups like gas stations or convenience centers—making it adaptable to multiple real estate formats and customer traffic patterns.
