Established
2009
Franchise Units
27
Minimum Investment
$150,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$300,000
Home Based
No
Description
Peace, Love & Little Donuts is not a traditional donut shop—it’s a lifestyle-driven, community-focused gourmet brand that blends handcrafted donuts with a playful, nostalgic atmosphere. Built around creativity, positivity, and small-batch indulgence, the brand has carved out a strong niche in the competitive dessert and bakery franchise segment across the United States.
Each location delivers a distinctive customer experience through unique donut flavors, whimsical store design, and a counterculture-inspired brand personality that resonates with families, young professionals, and experiential food lovers. Instead of competing on volume or price, the brand positions itself as a premium, feel-good indulgence—making it a standout option in both urban neighborhoods and high-traffic suburban markets.
The franchise appeals to modern consumers who value authenticity, local connection, and memorable experiences. For investors, it offers a proven, scalable concept with strong brand recognition, flexible store formats, and a relatively manageable operational model compared to traditional full-scale bakeries.
Background
Established Year
Peace, Love & Little Donuts was founded in 2009.
Founders
The brand was founded by John Chicherchia, Michael Bagnoli, and Angelo Mosco.
Brand Journey & Company History
The first location opened in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, quickly gaining local popularity for its inventive donut flavors and vibrant shop atmosphere. The brand’s grassroots success laid the foundation for franchising, allowing it to expand into multiple states while preserving its independent, neighborhood-shop feel.
Ownership & Structure
The franchise operates under a centralized franchising model that maintains strong brand standards while allowing franchisees to connect authentically with their local markets.
Franchise Active Units : 27
Market Presence & Industry Category
Peace, Love & Little Donuts operates within the bakery, dessert, and specialty food franchise category, with locations across urban and suburban markets in the USA.
Support Training
Peace, Love & Little Donuts offers comprehensive franchise support designed to guide owners from initial onboarding through long-term operations.
Pre-Launch Support
Franchisees receive assistance with site selection, lease evaluation, store layout guidance, and vendor sourcing, along with clear build-out specifications and equipment recommendations.
Initial Training Program
New franchisees undergo structured training covering donut preparation techniques, food safety standards, inventory control, point-of-sale systems, customer service philosophy, and daily shop operations.
Operational Support
Ongoing operational guidance includes standardized recipes, production schedules, quality control protocols, and staffing best practices, along with updates on new product launches and seasonal menu changes.
Marketing & Branding Support
The franchisor supports national brand initiatives while equipping franchisees with local marketing tools, including promotional calendars, digital marketing guidance, social media strategies, and creative assets.
Ongoing Assistance
Dedicated franchise support teams provide continuous coaching, performance reviews, and operational check-ins to help franchisees optimize profitability and customer engagement.
Ideal Candidate
Peace, Love & Little Donuts is best suited for owner-operators or semi-absentee investors who value brand culture as much as financial performance.
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Ideal franchisees are hands-on business owners who enjoy community involvement and customer interaction. Prior food industry experience is helpful but not mandatory.
Passion for Brand & Experience
Successful owners connect with the brand’s upbeat, creative personality and are enthusiastic about delivering a memorable guest experience.
Business & People Skills
Strong leadership, staff management, and basic financial oversight skills are important for maintaining consistent quality and operational efficiency.
Investment Capability
Franchisees should be financially prepared to meet the initial investment requirements and maintain sufficient working capital during the ramp-up phase.
Location Preference
The concept performs well in walkable retail areas, lifestyle centers, downtown districts, and family-oriented neighborhoods with steady foot traffic.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Initial Investment | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $150,000 |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $40,000 – $100,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $25,000 – $55,000 |
| Signage & Store Branding | $7,000 – $15,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Sales |
| Brand Marketing / Ad Fund | 1% – 2% of Gross Sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Timeline | 18 – 30 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | In-store sales, catering, events, merchandise |
