2013
20
$450,000
$35,000
$900,000
No
Hurts Donut Company is one of America’s most playful and creative donut brands—known for its over-the-top donuts, bold flavors, and a rebellious spirit that challenges the “ordinary.” Founded on the idea that donuts should be fun, accessible, and indulgent, Hurts Donut has carved out a strong niche in the booming specialty dessert and coffee market. Each location is a lively, community-driven experience, where customers not only enjoy premium donuts but also connect with a brand that’s built on humor, generosity, and creativity.
With a growing nationwide presence and a loyal following across social media, Hurts Donut Company is redefining what it means to be a modern dessert franchise. The brand’s focus on unique donut creations—like cereal-topped, candy-coated, and frosting-filled masterpieces—combined with strong branding and a fun-loving culture, makes it an irresistible opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to own a business that brings smiles and profits.
Investing in a Hurts Donut Company franchise means becoming part of one of the most dynamic and recognizable names in the gourmet donut segment. Unlike traditional donut shops, Hurts offers an experience—built around humor, community engagement, and an ever-changing variety of products.
Here’s why it stands out:
Innovative Product Line: Constantly evolving menu with dozens of rotating flavors, limited editions, and seasonal specials.
Strong Brand Personality: A memorable, humorous brand identity that drives customer engagement and media attention.
Proven Demand: The gourmet donut market continues to thrive, driven by consumers’ desire for premium and “Instagram-worthy” desserts.
Community Focus: Hurts Donut is famous for its philanthropy and surprise donut deliveries—called “Random Acts of Donutness”—creating local buzz and customer loyalty.
Multi-Revenue Model: Sales from dine-in, delivery, catering, and merchandise boost profitability year-round.
Hurts Donut Company was founded in 2013 in Springfield, Missouri, by Tim and Kas Clegg. What started as a humble venture born from determination—after the founders faced unemployment—quickly evolved into a viral sensation. The first store opened with just $7 in the bank and a dream to make donuts fun again. Within hours of its opening, lines stretched out the door, and Hurts became a phenomenon.
Today, Hurts Donut operates over 20 locations across the United States, each maintaining the brand’s quirky and creative DNA. The franchise has built a strong community following, leveraging its “never boring” branding and social media virality. Its franchising model began in the mid-2010s, and since then, it has expanded into multiple states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, and Iowa.
Hurts Donut belongs to the quick-service restaurant (QSR) and specialty dessert franchise category, a sector that continues to grow as consumers seek experiential food options. The brand’s unique identity, humor-infused marketing, and commitment to quality have cemented its place as a standout player in the U.S. donut industry.
Hurts Donut Company takes franchisee support seriously, offering a structured and engaging training program to ensure each location upholds its vibrant brand experience.
Pre-Launch Support:
Comprehensive guidance on site selection and lease negotiation.
Store design and buildout assistance to capture the Hurts brand aesthetic.
Vendor connections for ingredients, equipment, and branded materials.
Grand opening planning with PR and marketing campaigns to create buzz.
Operational & Management Training:
Intensive initial training at corporate headquarters and in-store locations.
Detailed operational manuals covering daily procedures, recipes, and quality standards.
Point-of-sale system setup and training for seamless operations.
Marketing & Ongoing Support:
National and regional marketing initiatives to drive brand awareness.
Access to creative assets, seasonal promotions, and social media templates.
Continued operational guidance, audits, and refresher training.
Dedicated franchise support team providing ongoing business coaching.
Franchisees receive everything they need—from operational systems to marketing expertise—to maintain consistency while enjoying the freedom to build local community connections.
Hurts Donut seeks energetic entrepreneurs who share the brand’s enthusiasm, humor, and love for creating memorable customer experiences. The ideal franchise partner is:
Business-minded with a community spirit. Someone who enjoys connecting with people and spreading positivity.
Hands-on operator. Prior experience in food service or retail management is helpful but not mandatory.
Financially capable. Able to meet investment requirements and sustain operations during the startup phase.
Brand ambassador. Committed to maintaining the fun, quirky, and community-driven vibe that defines Hurts Donut.
Multi-unit potential. The franchise also welcomes investors looking to develop multiple locations in strong markets.
Preferred franchise locations include high-traffic areas, college towns, entertainment districts, and suburban neighborhoods where unique dessert experiences thrive.
While costs can vary based on location and size, here’s an overview of the financial requirements for owning a Hurts Donut Company franchise:
| Investment Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment | $450,000 – $900,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $150,000 – $250,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 – $40,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing/Advertising Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Break-Even Period | 18 – 36 months |
| Average ROI | 15% – 25% annually (depending on location and sales volume) |
| Potential Revenue Streams | In-store sales, online orders, catering, delivery, merchandise |
With strategic location selection, effective local marketing, and operational excellence, a Hurts Donut franchise can deliver strong returns while offering the satisfaction of owning a brand that brings happiness to communities nationwide.
