Established
1933
Franchise Units
28
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$28,500
Total Investment Range
$500,000
Home Based
No
Description
LaMar’s Donuts is one of America’s most trusted names in gourmet donuts, celebrated for its handcrafted recipes, warm neighborhood-style shops, and a customer base that returns day after day. For decades, LaMar’s has stood for excellence in the bakery and specialty-coffee category, earning praise for the quality of its donuts—made fresh daily using traditional methods that keep customers loyal. As a franchise investor, you step into a brand with a strong heritage, a recognizable identity, and a proven model that blends premium products with a consistent, high-demand breakfast and snack market.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
LaMar’s Donuts brings together everything an investor looks for in a food franchise: steady demand, low product waste, strong margins on baked goods, and the emotional pull of a nostalgic, beloved brand. Donut and coffee shops remain one of the most recession-resilient sectors of the U.S. food industry. LaMar’s has built a reputation for superior taste, variety and quality—positioning its stores as community favorites and go-to neighborhood destinations. With an established operating system, loyal customer following, and multiple revenue streams, LaMar’s offers a realistic path to long-term stability and growth.
Background
Established Year:
The roots of LaMar’s Donuts began in 1933, with the official first LaMar’s store opening in 1960 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Founders:
The concept was created by Ray LaMar, whose passion for donut-making established the foundation of the brand’s artisanal reputation.
Franchise Expansion:
LaMar’s began franchising in the early 1990s.
Franchise Active Units (USA):
Approximately 27–28 units across states such as Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Alabama, Nebraska, and Arizona.
Brand Journey & Market Position:
From humble beginnings, LaMar’s Donuts grew into a multi-state gourmet donut and coffee chain known for exceptional quality. The brand has earned national recognition from food critics, media outlets, and surveys highlighting it as one of America’s top donut shops. Its strong market position comes from signature recipes, consistent product quality, and a customer-centric store experience.
Industry Category:
Bakery, specialty coffee, fast-casual breakfast/snack segment.
Support Training
LaMar’s Donuts provides a full, end-to-end franchise support system that prepares new owners for every stage of business:
Pre-Launch Support
• Site selection assistance based on demographics and traffic patterns
• Store layout, architectural guidance, and build-out support
• Vendor setup, equipment specifications, and supply chain coordination
• Pre-opening training for owners and staff
Operational Training
• Comprehensive training program covering donut production, coffee service, inventory control, customer service, food safety, and store management
• Access to detailed operating manuals outlining daily workflows, hiring, policies, accounting, and marketing
Marketing Support
• National and regional promotional strategies
• Brand-approved advertising materials
• Local store marketing guidance
• Grand opening marketing execution
Ongoing Support
• Continuous operational support from franchise representatives
• Quality control oversight
• Updated training modules
• Regular business reviews and performance optimization
Ideal Candidate
The perfect LaMar’s Donuts franchisee is someone who values quality, hospitality, and community connection—an entrepreneur who enjoys working with people and building repeat-customer relationships. Whether you have prior foodservice experience or are a first-time business owner, success comes from being hands-on, enthusiastic, and committed to delivering top-tier customer service. Investors with backgrounds in retail, cafés, restaurants or management excel, but strong leadership and financial responsibility are equally important.
Ideal candidates should have:
• A passion for food and customer service
• Ability to manage day-to-day operations
• Financial capability to meet investment requirements
• Desire to operate in high-traffic suburban or urban locations
• Commitment to uphold the brand’s standards and quality
Financial Detail
| Category | Amount / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $350,000 – $500,000 (varies by size & build-out; in some cases up to approx. $575,000) |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | Approx. $150,000 |
| Minimum Net Worth Required | Approx. $350,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $28,500 (10-year renewable agreement) |
| Royalty Fees | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing Budget | Included within total investment (local & regional advertising) |
| Equipment & Infrastructure Cost | Included within total investment (equipment, signage, fixtures, build-out, etc.) |
| Working Capital | Required for first 3–6 months of operation |
| Break-Even Timeline | Typically within 12–24 months depending on location, traffic, and operational efficiency |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Donuts, pastries, coffee, espresso drinks, blended beverages, catering, takeout, large-order bundles, seasonal items |
| ROI Potential | Donut businesses often enjoy strong margins; well-run stores in high-traffic districts can generate attractive profitability over time |