Cookies By Design/Cookie Bouquet vs Hurts Donut Company Franchise Comparison

When she lost her job, single mother Gwen Willhite had to figure out what to do next. Combining two traditional gifts'flowers and sweets'Willhite developed a new business: Cookies by Design/Cookie Bouquet. Each bouquet was arranged with custom-molded, hand-decorated sugar and cinnamon brown sugar cookies in baskets for all holidays and occasions. The company, which Willhite started in her home, soon grew into a chain of shops that began franchising in 1987. Within 10 years, Cookies by Design/Cookie Bouquet had grown to more than 175 shops in 115 cities across the United States.

Who is Hurts Donut?! How did it get started?! Well, the running joke is that Tim said it would be cheaper to open a donut shop than support my donut addiction! November 17th 2013, THE DAY BEFORE WE OPENED, we made our very first donut! The VERY FIRST donut either of us had ever made and it was just twelve hours before we opened our doors to the public... (that's not a typo!) We learned how to make donuts on YOUTUBE, bought all of our equipment on Craigslist and didn't even know if any of it would turn on. (Irresponsible? Maybe... Crazy passionate, motivated and fearless attitude!! DEFINITELY!!)We had less than $7 left in our bank account when we opened the doors to the public, and now there are 16 stores in the US! (The best part is, we are just getting started!!)In 2016 and 2017 we won an award that makes me exceptionally emotional... Hurts Donut received the Economic Impact of the year award for 1-5 years in business. WE SHARED THE STAGE WITH BASS PRO AND PRIME TRUCKING!!! (Are you serious?!) Prime did 1.8 BILLION dollars in revenue last year. And our little donut shop, less than 4 years old, was honored on the SAME STAGE as the most incredible businesses in Springfield. Their stories inspirational beyond measure. How could we possibly be in such good company?! Never, in my wildest dreams, did I think we would be where we are today.I'm so astronomically in love and thankful for my husband who is intelligent, business minded, hard working and selfless. Tim attributes our growth to his diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, it was the start of our model for giving back to those in need. We truly, truly, believe that you get what you GIVE. So we promised ourselves whenever we get, we give!! I remember feeling misplaced years before this, my heart was built for giving and I could never give enough. This business has given us so much purpose and your support gives us the means to give back to the community in an unimaginable way. We have been able to share our blessings and help so many people in need. Franchising was absolutely terrifying to me. I'm so passionate about my business and I couldn't imagine anyone loving Hurts Donut the way I do!!  Our franchises have brought amazing people close in my life!! It is the best thing, being able to call someone every day that can truly relate and understand my immense JOYS. They have by far exceeded our expectations and I am BEYOND proud of the hard work and success our franchisees have brought to our name!! I know every one of us will continue to pray and dream and work ourselves NUMB!! I owe the most colossal thank you to our outstanding employees, whose personalities are as colorful as the donuts in our case! Our over-willing managers and trainers who are so extremely talented and hard working! There's definitely a sense of family. Shout out to two very special employees, Misty and Ian who have been employed with us from day one and are still going strong today!! We started with SIX employees the day Hurts OG opened in Springfield!! Our Tulsa store sold 24,000 donuts opening day and had 112 employees the day they opened if that gives you an idea of how far we have come!!!