Established
2019
Franchise Units
50
Minimum Investment
$450,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$1,000,000
Home Based
No
Description
Parlor Doughnuts has redefined the traditional doughnut shop by introducing its signature layered, laminated doughnuts—a product that sits at the intersection of artisan baking, indulgent desserts, and premium café culture. Unlike conventional doughnut concepts, Parlor Doughnuts focuses on craftsmanship, texture, and presentation, delivering a product that feels upscale yet approachable.
Positioned as a modern doughnut and coffee destination, the brand attracts a wide demographic—from morning commuters and families to millennials and dessert enthusiasts seeking Instagram-worthy treats. Each location blends a warm, stylish café environment with a streamlined menu that prioritizes quality, consistency, and speed of service.
In an industry dominated by commoditized products, Parlor Doughnuts stands out through differentiation. Its layered doughnuts, handcrafted toppings, and curated coffee program create strong brand loyalty and repeat visits. For franchise investors, this translates into a concept with strong unit economics, growing national recognition, and scalability across suburban and urban U.S. markets.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Highly Differentiated Product – Signature layered doughnuts with premium flavors set the brand apart from traditional doughnut chains
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Strong Consumer Demand – Appeals to dessert lovers, coffee drinkers, families, and social-media-driven audiences
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Daytime Business Model – Breakfast and daytime focus means simplified operations and lifestyle-friendly hours
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Growing Brand Awareness – Rapid expansion across multiple U.S. states with strong word-of-mouth marketing
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Multiple Revenue Streams – Doughnuts, specialty beverages, coffee, catering, and seasonal offerings
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Scalable Footprint – Designed for end-cap, inline, and high-visibility retail locations
Background
Established Year: 2019
Founders: Entrepreneur-led founding team with backgrounds in hospitality and food service
Franchise Active Units: 50+ locations operating and in development across the USA
Ownership Structure: Privately held, franchise-driven growth model
Brand Journey & History:
Parlor Doughnuts was created to challenge the idea that doughnuts are a basic commodity. The founders focused on laminated dough techniques inspired by European pastry methods, resulting in a unique texture and visual appeal. Early success at the flagship locations led to rapid consumer demand and the decision to franchise.
Market Presence: Expanding rapidly in Midwest, South, and high-growth suburban U.S. markets
Industry Category: Specialty Food Franchise | Bakery & Café Franchise
Support Training
Parlor Doughnuts offers a comprehensive franchise support system designed to guide owners from site selection to long-term operations.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and territory evaluation
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Lease review and layout planning
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Store design, build-out specifications, and equipment guidance
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Pre-opening timeline and launch checklist
Training & Operations
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Initial hands-on training covering dough production, product consistency, food safety, and quality control
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Operational systems for inventory, labor scheduling, and daily workflows
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Standard operating procedures and recipe management
Marketing & Brand Support
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National and regional brand marketing initiatives
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Local store marketing playbooks and grand-opening strategies
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Digital marketing guidance, social media frameworks, and promotional campaigns
Ongoing Support
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Dedicated franchise support team
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Performance benchmarking and operational coaching
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New product rollouts and seasonal menu innovation
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Continued training resources for owners and managers
Ideal Candidate
Parlor Doughnuts is best suited for individuals or groups who value brand execution, hospitality, and operational discipline.
Ideal Candidates Include:
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Multi-unit operators or first-time franchisees with strong management skills
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Food & beverage or retail experience preferred, but not mandatory
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Hands-on or semi-absentee owners with leadership capability
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Passion for premium food concepts and customer experience
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Financially capable investors seeking long-term brand growth
Location Preference:
High-traffic suburban retail corridors, lifestyle centers, mixed-use developments, and growing metro areas across the USA.
Financial Detail
| Investment Category | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $450,000 – $1,000,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $200,000+ |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements & Build-Out | $200,000 – $450,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $120,000 – $200,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Brand Marketing Fund | 2% of gross sales |
| Expected Break-Even | 18 – 30 months |
| Estimated ROI | Varies by market & operations |