Donut King

About Donut King

The first Donut King store opened in Australia in 1981, and the brand has since become synonymous with the Cinnamon Donut, which they have been serving to sweet-toothed customers since the brand’s first day of trading. Having grown in size to comprise 300 stores across Australia, the business is now looking to expand internationally, including to the UK.

Donut King’s iconic donut range includes frosted, filled, iced, glazed, ring and novelty shaped donuts along with the classic donut that got the whole business started – Donut King sells over 15 million freshly baked cinnamon donuts each year. All of the donuts are made fresh in-house using the highest quality ingredients.

Attracting customers in all age ranges, Donut King’s fun atmosphere and tempting selection of delicious treats have improved and expanded as the brand has grown and consumer tastes have changed. Now serving so much more than just donuts, Donut King still offer the old favourites but have added smoothies, milkshakes, fruit freezes, breakfast toast, hot dogs and excellent espresso coffee to its menu.

Offering every customer a fun experience with every visit, Donut King is an iconic franchise in Australia, and has over 2,500 outlets across 80 international territories. A newly appointed UK master franchisor has already assisted with the launch of four Donut King outlets in the UK, and has plans to ensure the brand becomes just as iconic to a new British audience.

How does a Donut King franchise work?

Donut King is a brand belonging to Retail Food Group (RFG), a hugely well-established retail food franchise operator in Australia.

With 11 franchise systems currently in place, RFG offers new franchisees a proven business and support system which has been refined over 25 years of franchise operation, and impressive buying power and supply chain systems.

The Donut King franchise package includes a turnkey store, marketing, training and operations manuals, along with streamlined business processes, ongoing support and field advice.

How much does a Donut King franchise cost?

The Donut King UK franchise cost is between £40,000 and £100,000 + VAT, which includes the Donut King franchise fee of £20,000 + VAT. Additional costs include a franchise service fee of seven per cent of gross sales, and a marketing contribution of three per cent of gross sales. A detailed list of all costs is provided to new
franchisees in the franchisor’s Disclosure Document.

Finding funding to cover the Donut King franchising cost

Donut King franchisees are able to find funding for part of their new business costs through a finance partner. RFG is a well-respected franchisor, which makes securing financial support much easier.

What do you get for your Donut King franchise investment?

New franchisees are offered a five-year franchise term, which is renewable for another five years, though this may vary depending on the details of the site lease.

Donut King has a team of agents who find the ideal location for the new outlet, and along with a fully-fitted store containing all the necessary equipment, the investment cost includes training, manuals, marketing support and operational support from a dedicated area manager.

How much does a Donut King franchisee earn?

Donut King suggest franchisees can achieve an annual turnover of £750,000 with annual net profit of £125,000, however the figures quoted will not reflect every store.
The earning potential of an individual franchise depends on factors including operating costs, wage costs and operational efficiency, though Donut King will advise franchisees on how to maximise their profits.

Donut King is a cash business, minimising the risk of bad debt.

What training is provided for Donut King franchisees?

Donut King franchisees take part in a comprehensive training programme that provides all the tools required to build a robust and successful business. The initial training programme covers theoretical and practical elements, from coffee making to customer service. Next comes hands-on in-store training, and the guidance and support continues before and after the new store site opens for business. Franchisees also have access to online training programmes to train their team members
as required.

Did you know?

Donut King has an expected revenue of Annual turnover of £750,000 with annual net profit of £125,000 after 2 years!

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What marketing support is provided for Donut King franchisees?

Donut King franchisees pay an annual contribution to an independently audited marketing fund.

National advertising, marketing and public relations campaigns are designed to increase brand awareness, and promotional materials are provided to individual stores with the aim of encouraging additional customer visits and increasing sales value.

Do Donut King franchisees need industry experience?

No. Business experience is an advantage, but not essential as Donut King provides comprehensive business theory and practical, operational and Barista training.

Is running a Donut King franchise a full-time job?

Yes, and franchisees are expected to actively work in-store, as Donut King believes this is crucial to their success. A dedicated sales and performance manager sets the franchisee daily targets and ensures that the new business is on a successful track.

Do I have to use Donut King products?

Yes, though that’s a bonus as Donut King’s procurement team benefit from economies of scale, resulting in franchisees receiving better product prices and supply chain service.

Can I list my Donut King franchise for sale?

Yes, established Donut King stores can be put up for sale, and are advertised on the Retail Food Group website, franchising websites and through business brokers.

How do I find a site for my Donut King franchise?

You don’t. Donut King will find and secure the site of each new store, which is then listed for sale on the Retail Food Group website, franchise business websites and local and national newspapers.

Donut King franchises are usually situated in shopping centres and retail areas, and mainly offer take-away options. The store options available include three formats: small take-away only stores and large or kiosk store layouts which may include a small seating area.

Where are the new territories that Donut King is looking to open franchise locations?

Donut King franchises are currently available across the entire UK. Currently, there is a store in Brentwood, and concessions in Debenhams stores in Basildon, Wigan and Newport - all other areas are available. Donut King plans to launch 250 new UK stores over the next 20 years.

Why choose a Donut King franchise?

Donut King franchises have been successfully running around the world for 30 years, and therefore have a proven business model and operating system. Brand new to the UK, early franchisees gain the competitive edge and benefit from being part of the launch of this new yet established brand, with ongoing training and support available as required.

Above all, a Donut King franchise is a fun brand that is proud of the fact that its franchisees feel like a family.

How can I apply for a Donut King franchise?

If the franchise prospectus leads to an initial enquiry, franchisees have a phone interview to discuss the opportunity along with available sites, and are sent a franchisee application to complete. Once that application has been returned and assessed, franchisees are invited to meet the team to learn more about the brand and individual business opportunity before a final decision is made.

If the franchisee is approved, training begins and preparations are made for the new store launch.

If you would like to receive more information about opening a Donut King franchise, please complete the web form on this page.