Dunkin'
A Dunkin' franchise typically costs between $532,400 to $1,832,500 to open, with a franchise fee of $40,000 - $90,000 and an ongoing royalty of 5.9% of gross sales.
Franchise Inspectors has verified from Dunkin's latest 2026 FDD that the average restaurant generates $1,372,069 in gross sales. The lowest unit volume was $65,354 and the highest unit volume was $6,007,706.
How Much Does It Cost?
Total Investment
$532,400 to $1,832,500
Franchise Fee
$40,000 - $90,000
Royalty
5.9%
Marketing Ad Fund
5%
How Much Do Owners Make?
$65,354
LOWEST GROSS SALES
$1,372,069
AVERAGE GROSS SALES
$6,007,706
highest GROSS SALES
Dunkin Retention Amongst Company-Owned and Franchise Owned Outlets
Company Owned Units
Franchised Units
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Dunkin' Franchise Quick Facts
- Total Investment: $532,400 to $1,832,500
- Franchise Fee: $40,000-$90,000
- Royalty: 5.9%
- Marketing Fee: 5%
- Average Gross Sales: $1,372,069
- Lowest Gross Sales: $65,354
- Highest Gross Sales: $6,007,706
- Total Outlets: 8,780
- Length of Term: 20 years
How much does a Dunkin' franchise owner make?
Dunkin does not provide a simple net profit or “owner earnings” number in its FDD.
It does include financial performance data in Item 19, but this is primarily focused on sales. It does not account for key expenses like labor, rent, royalties, debt, or taxes. Because of that, actual earnings can vary significantly depending on the location, cost structure, and how the business is run.
How long does it take to open a Dunkin' franchise?
According to the FDD, the typical time between signing the Franchise Agreement and opening a Dunkin restaurant is 8 to 15 months.
You cannot begin construction until the site is approved and the agreement is signed. From there, the restaurant must be built and equipped to Dunkin’s exact standards, and you are responsible for permits, zoning, and compliance with local building codes.
You also cannot open until Dunkin gives final approval. If you miss the required opening date outlined in the Franchise Agreement, the franchisor has the right to terminate the agreement.
Is Dunkin' semi-absentee?
No. Dunkin is not designed to be semi-absentee.
According to Item 15 of the FDD, you are required to designate a trained individual who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the restaurant, and that person must complete Dunkin’s required training program.
If you are not serving as that person yourself, you must still ensure that the restaurant is operated in full compliance with Dunkin’s standards, systems, and procedures at all times.
In other words, even if you hire a manager, this is still a highly structured, operations-heavy business that requires strong oversight and accountability. It is not a passive investment.
What are the biggest risks of owning a Dunkin' franchise?
According to the FDD, there are several key risks you need to understand before opening a Dunkin franchise.
First, you have a continuing obligation to pay fees, which means you may still owe royalties and other costs even if your business is losing money.
Second, the franchisor can change its system, standards, and operating requirements, which may require you to make additional investments or upgrades to your restaurant over time.
You are also subject to supplier restrictions, meaning you may be required to purchase products, equipment, or services from approved vendors, which can increase your costs.
There are also strict operating controls. The franchisor can dictate how you run the business, including what you sell, how you market, and your hours of operation.
Even if you are granted a territory, the FDD states the franchisor may still compete with you, which can impact your long-term growth.
Finally, you are responsible for ongoing reinvestment, including required remodels and upgrades to keep the location aligned with current brand standards.
This page contains information derived from the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). We are not making any financial claims, projections, or guarantees. The data shown reflects historical information provided by the franchisor and should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance. Individual results will vary.
