Auntie Anne's Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels vs Duck Donuts Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Auntie Anne's Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels vs Duck Donuts including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Auntie Anne's Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels Franchise
Duck Donuts Franchise
Investment $98,350 - $445,000$348,350 - $568,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 7%5%
Advertising Fee 1%2%
Year Founded 19882006
Year Franchised 19892013
Term Of Agreement 5 years-
Term Of Agreement 5 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Auntie Anne's Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels Franchise
Duck Donuts Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • We require a minimum of $150,000 in liquid funds (cash, savings, mutual funds, stocks, etc.) and a minimum of $500,000 in total net worth to financially support opening a new Duck Donuts franchise.

    Financing Options

     
    Auntie Anne's Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels Franchise
    Duck Donuts Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/Yes-/-
    Payroll No/Yes-/-

    Training & Support

     
    Auntie Anne's Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels Franchise
    Duck Donuts Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 32 hours Classroom Training: 40-64 hours On-The-Job Training: 24 hours Classroom Training: 16 hours
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet PlatformPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Ad Templates National Media Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/appCo-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing
    Operations 53.9% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 9 - 12

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (95% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    Auntie Anne's Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels Franchise
    Duck Donuts Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Auntie Anne's Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels

    Anne Beiler had been baking most of her life, but it wasn't until she began managing a concession stand at a farmer's market in Maryland that she thought about starting a business. The stand served pizzas, pretzels, chips and candy, with the pretzels outselling everything else. Beiler stopped selling pizza and began hand-rolling pretzels in front of her customers, making the snack even more popular. Eventually, Beiler bought her own stand, naming it Auntie Anne's, and, soon two of her brothers were operating Auntie Anne's booths of their own. Today, Auntie Anne's locations serve a variety of pretzels, dipping sauces and drinks.

    Join us in putting the hand-rolled deliciousness of Auntie Anne’s® soft pretzels into more people’s hands. We are looking for franchise owners to extend our reach into street side locations, tourist locations, colleges, and more. Our guests savor Auntie Anne’s® pretzels’ unique flavor profile. You’ll value the strong financials, culture that promotes community involvement, and opportunities afforded you by our impressive global footprint. The future is looking bright for our franchise owners. Get in on the goodness now.

    As we rise, you shine.

    Auntie Anne's® is looking for people with a passion for business, matched by their desire to deliver the highest-quality customer service and hospitality. Candidates should have:
    "Fork
    Business Experience
    (Restaurant Experience Preferred)
    "Money"
    $100K+ Liquid Capital
    $300K Net Worth
    "People"
    People Skills
    Connected to the Community
    "Hand
    Philanthropic Values

     Stores can be found in shopping centers, airports and train stations across the United States and Worldwide.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of an Auntie Anne's® franchise ranges from $156,350 to $445,000. This includes $30,000 to $30,400 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Shop within a temporary stand in a farmers’ market, a concession trailer, or a food truck (a “Concession Shop”) is $98,350 to $253,000. This includes $10,000 to $10,400 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.

    Veteran Incentives  $10,000 off franchise fee

    "Entrepreneur
    #400 in Franchise 500 for 2020.




    About Duck Donuts

    Duck Donuts prides itself on providing its customers warm, delicious and made-to-order donuts in a unique in-store experience. We are seeking experienced franchisees who share our vision and commitment of offering a welcoming, family-friendly and delicious experience as we continue our growth throughout the United States.

    "Entrepreneur
    #486 in Franchise 500 for 2020.