Top Bakery Franchises to Invest In for Sweet Success
Discover five fast-growing bakery franchises, including Dunkin’, Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s, Shipley Do-Nuts, and Wetzel’s Pretzels. Learn about their investment costs, earnings potential, and franchise opportunities across the U.S.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Can you make dough in the bakery business? Today, we’re exploring the delicious world of bakery franchises. We’ll highlight five fast-growing bakery franchises that are making waves across the United States. Some of these franchises have been around for over 70 years, while others are relatively new.
Think about how often you’ve grabbed something to go at a Dunkin’ Donuts while passing by. Now, imagine having the chance to own one—or maybe even more than one. Let’s dive in!
Dunkin’
Dunkin‘, a household name, is now simply called “Dunkin’,” though many still know it as Dunkin’ Donuts.
- Initial Investment: Starts at $120K (for locations in airports or train stations) and goes up to $1.8 million (for freestanding drive-thru locations).
- Royalty Fee: 6%.
- Number of Locations: Over 8,000.
- Average Earnings: Approximately $300,000 per unit.
With a vast support network, Dunkin’ is a relatively safe investment if you can manage operational costs effectively.
Cinnabon
Cinnabon is famous for its irresistible cinnamon rolls and other sweet treats.
- Initial Investment: Ranges from $23K to $884,000.
- Royalty Fee: 6%.
- Number of Locations: Around 1,000.
While the earnings (approximately $30K to $60K) are lower compared to Dunkin’, the smaller investment needed makes it a good opportunity, particularly if you’re starting closer to the lower end of the investment range, such as $23K for a mall-based store.
Auntie Anne’s
Auntie Anne‘s is a staple in shopping malls, known for its hand-rolled soft pretzels.
- Initial Investment: Ranges from $150K to $572,000.
- Royalty Fee: 8%.
- Number of Locations: 1,146.
With earnings of around $100K to $150K, Auntie Anne’s has great visibility and can provide a solid opportunity for financial growth.
Shipley Do-Nuts
Shipley Do-Nuts is a brand with a rich history, having been founded in 1936.
- Initial Investment: Ranges from $650K to $1.3 million.
- Royalty Fee: 3%.
- Number of Locations: 337.
Though it has fewer locations than other franchises on the list, Shipley offers a strong brand with great equity, making it a promising choice for entrepreneurial spirits.
Wetzel’s Pretzels
Wetzel’s Pretzels is known for its super-premium pretzels, made from fresh dough.
- Initial Investment: Starts at $60K.
- Royalty Fee: 6%.
- Number of Locations: 360.
Wetzel’s offers a simple, scalable business model, with impressive earnings of around $150K. Investors can expect to recoup their investment in about 2 to 5 years, depending on factors like location and startup time.
Vetted Biz | Comparison Tool
For much of the data featured today, we used our franchise comparison tool. This tool lets you compare key metrics across a variety of franchise industries, including burgers, pizza, and home healthcare. With over 7,000 franchise options, you can explore side-by-side comparisons and even consult with franchise specialists for personalized advice.
Conclusion
We explored five leading bakery franchises, each offering unique opportunities for aspiring franchisees. We hope this guide serves as a valuable resource on your journey to becoming a successful franchise owner.
