Q&A: Does Dunkin' Donuts Franchise in the UK?

Alice Tuffery, writer

Published at 13/02/2021, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 5 min

Q&A: Does Dunkin' Donuts Franchise in the UK? — Photo © dunkin_donuts_logo.jpg

Whether you’ve got a sweet tooth or not, you’ve probably heard of Dunkin’ Donuts. The iconic American brand has established stores and found fans across the globe, but does it welcome investors? Let’s find out whether there are any Dunkin’ Donuts franchise opportunities.

Here in the UK, we love indulging in a sweet treat when we’re out and about, which is great news for entrepreneurs interested in starting a coffee shop or baked goods business. While the market is fairly competitive in these areas, having the backing of a well-known brand and a universally-loved product is a huge advantage.

So, is it possible to launch your own Dunkin’ Donuts franchise store? Let’s find out.

Does Dunkin’ Donuts franchise?

Yes - Dunkin’ Donuts has used the franchise model to expand internationally and it’s still looking for more investors to set up new stores in the UK. Becoming a Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee could be a fantastic way to break into the competitive food and drink industry with an element of security.

History of Dunkin’ Donuts

The Dunkin’ Donuts story goes all the way back to 1946, when entrepreneur Bill Rosenberg founded Industrial Luncheon Services to deliver food to workers across Boston. This venture proved successful, which led him to launch a doughnut store called The Open Kettle in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1950. Within two years, the shop had changed its name to Dunkin’ Donuts.

Since then, Dunkin’ Donuts has established a network of more than 11,000 stores spread across 32 countries. It’s also racked up almost 70 years of industry experience and 120 years of combined franchising expertise.

In fact, the franchise serves more than five million customers every day and sells over 30 cups of coffee per second. The US remains one of the most profitable regions for Dunkin’ Donuts; it generated around £467 million there in 2019 (Statista).

Many customers are drawn to Dunkin’ Donuts’ menu of delicious treats, which offers hot and cold coffee, as well as bagels, breakfast sandwiches and, of course, doughnuts. The franchise also sells whole bean and ground coffee, and coffee pods, so fans can make their own Dunkin’ Donuts-style beverages in the comfort of their own home.

Now, 60 percent of the franchise’s US sales are drinks, so it’s in the process of rebranding as a “beverage-led” company and dropping the “Donuts” from its name.

Over the years, Dunkin’ Donuts has been awarded various business accolades. The franchise has topped rankings of coffee and baked goods businesses, and been recognised for its customer loyalty and success in airports. It also prides itself on being one of the most famous franchises on the planet.

Starting a Dunkin’ Donuts franchise unit

Countless would-be entrepreneurs dream of launching a coffee shop business through the Dunkin’ Donuts franchise model, but you’ll need to have the right budget and attributes to get the chance.

Dunkin’ Donuts is looking for hardworking investors who are willing and able to develop at least 20 locations within a given time period. For your application to be approved, you’ll also need to have experience in the foodservice industry and a long-term vision to help Dunkin’ Donuts grow around the globe. Plus you’ll need negotiation skills to secure desirable, high-profile sites for your stores.

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Becoming a Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee:

Think you’ve got what it takes to represent the Dunkin’ Donuts franchise brand and launch your own profitable baked goods business as part of the network? Head to the company’s profile page here at Point Franchise to find out more about its investment opportunity.

If you’d like to proceed with your application, you can request more information and get in touch with the brand to get the ball rolling. Then, you’ll take part in a series of meetings to discern your suitability to become a Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee in the UK and select a profitable territory.

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How much you need to invest:

Setting up a Dunkin’ Donuts franchise location should come in at a cost of around £3 million. You’ll need roughly £1.2 million in liquid assets and a net worth of £2.3 million.

This franchise offers one of the more expensive investment opportunities on the market, but its price is indicative of the brand’s huge international following and impressive reputation.

What you get for your investment:

Once you’re on board, the coffee shop franchise will provide you with the rights to use its internationally recognisable branding and world-class tools and resources. This means you’ll be able to attract customers to your business and offer them the same positive experience they would expect to find at any Dunkin’ Donuts outlet.

As part of the induction scheme, the coffee shop franchise’s team of experts will support you as you develop your own portfolio of Dunkin’ Donuts stores. You’ll get help with site selection, construction and fit-out, marketing and management.

Plus, you’ll get the chance to take part in a three-day business course before the launch of your first shop. Then, once your store is up and running, you’ll complete the Dunkin’ Donuts Core Initial Training programme, comprising classroom-based learning as well as online modules. In other words, you’ll be given all the tools you need to develop your own network of profitable coffee shop franchise units.

Running your own business as a franchisee

Interested in the franchise model? It can offer investors a huge amount of security when it comes to launching a business, particularly in crowded marketplaces. If you’d like to take advantage of Dunkin’ Donuts’ global customer base and tried and tested strategies, you should get in touch with the business today.

Alternatively, why not browse some of the other fantastic investment opportunities on offer in the food services industry? The sector stretches from smoothie stores and healthy food franchises to gelato parlours and wine bars, so there’s something to suit every entrepreneur.