The US donut and coffee chain signed two new international franchise agreements in its second quarter to enter the UK and the Caribbean, with further US outlet growth also expected
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Announced agreements include four stores in the UK and five outlets across the Caribbean | Photo credit: Duck Donuts
Duck Donuts signed two new international franchise agreements in its second quarter, which will see the donut and coffee chain enter the UK – its first European market.
Pennsylvania-based Duck Donuts currently operates 126 stores in the US and has a single-store presence in Canada, Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Announced agreements include four stores in Northern Ireland and five outlets across the Caribbean in Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao and St. Marteen. Franchise partners and launch dates for the new sites have not yet been disclosed.
The new agreements advance Duck Donut’s international expansion plans. In 2022, the donut and coffee chain partnered with Bangkok-based franchisee The Great Restaurant Group Co. to open 10 stores across Thailand over the next five years. The coffee chain is also seeking franchise partners in the Philippines.
Duck Donuts’ planned expansion in Asia Pacific will be complemented by its first stores in Australia, with five outlets planned for Sydney.
In April 2023, the Pennsylvania-based donut and coffee chain also announced agreements to open three sites across the Bahamas and 10 outlets in Iraq.
Duck Donuts also continues to bolster its domestic footprint. In its second quarter update, the donut and coffee chain detailed nine new US franchise agreements, including first agreements in Connecticut and Wisconsin.
The donut and coffee chain opened six new stores in its second quarter, including a first site in Colorado, and expects to open 12 new outlets by the end of September 2023.
“The signing of the recent franchise agreements is a testament to the appeal of Duck Donuts’ made-to-order donuts and commitment to providing an exceptional customer experience. With our warm and inviting atmosphere, and delicious donuts, we are confident we will continue to captivate the interest of future small business owners both in the US and abroad,” said Eric Lavinder, Chief Development Officer, Duck Donuts.
Founded in 2006, Duck Donuts began franchising in 2013. The donut and coffee chain also caters for corporate events in the US and operates four mobile vans across North Carolina and Texas. A fifth ‘Duck Truck’ will enter operations in the third quarter of 2023.