How to Start a Donut Shop

Donuts are less in price compared to any other beverages but it's the highest markup food product - profit margin is around 600% - 700% over a donut. People also buy more than one donut but they don't do the same when buying juice or soda. Find more valuable information on starting a doughnut shop.

Eating sweet crispy cream donuts along with a cup of coffee can be a delightful treat.

donut shop business

This is why people all over the world love Digby's donuts, Krispy Kreme donuts, and coffee donuts. This also explains why baked donuts remain one of the most sellable snacks all over the world. Starting a donut shop is, therefore, a good idea if you are planning on starting a business in the snacks and food industry. The following information will be helpful if you want to know how to start a donut shop.

Starting donut stores or buying a franchise?

The donut and pastries business has become a multi-billion industry that encouraged businessmen on starting franchises for popular donuts like Dunkin donuts. People who are looking forward to being in the business selling donut cake, crispy donuts, and bagels, therefore, have the option to start their own donut recipe bakeries or purchase a daylight donut franchise. You will need bigger start-up capital if you opt to purchase a best donuts franchise but you will be receiving much-needed assistance in operating and marketing the honeydew donuts and mini donuts of your donut shop. If you wish to be an independent donut baker, on the other hand, you need to have good marketing and entrepreneurial skills in addition to your ability on making donuts because the operation and marketing of your donut shop will largely depend on your skill as an independent homemade donuts entrepreneur.

Similar Articles

More than just selling glazed donuts

You will basically be selling jelly donuts in donut boxes in your donut store but you can actually offer more products to your clients especially if people are starting to look for new pastries and products from your donut shop. You can sell coffees, juices, and soft drinks so your customers who wish to dine in your donut shop can have something to pair with their chocolate donuts. You can even start selling birthday cakes to clients who have come to appreciate your pastries and donut recipes. Providing your customers with a wide selection of donuts will also be a good idea so make sure that you check out how you can offer Chinese donuts, cake donuts, and Italian donuts to your clients. It will also be great if you can experiment with new donut flavors because many donut shop clients will not hesitate to test new donut flavors that they may like.

Recommended Articles

  • Dunkin' Donuts Franchising Information
    If you're a business-minded individual with an eye for "brewing" franchise opportunities, then Dunkin' Donuts may be just the right business venture for you. Here is an article about starting a Dunkin' Donuts franchise business.
  • Starting a Mobile Donut Shop
    The mobile donut shop is a very simple concept compared to other businesses. This article can show you the points you need to consider when it comes to venturing into a mobile donut shop.

494 Comments

  • Sheila Vazquez said on June 29, 2008
    I want to request some catalogs on donut shops:
    furniture, equipment, shops, and anything else related to donut shops. Thank you. Could you please e-mail any information on where I might request catalogs? My e-mail is sheilacrv@yahoo.com. Thank you.
    Sheila V.
  • Stacie Tang said on June 30, 2008
    I would also like additional information on opening up my donut shop. I don't even know where to start. I have my degree in Business, which has taught me how to run a business but not how to run one from the ground up. Thank you.
  • Sandy Smothers said on July 22, 2008
    I want all information on starting my donut shop from the ground up. It would be a great business because where I live, we don't have any donut shops or anything similar other than two grocery stores. But they don't have nearly the variety and freshness as a donut shop would. My e-mail address is markandsandysmothers@comcast.net
  • Tammy Hardy said on July 24, 2008
    I want additional information re: a donut shop. I currently have a small country shop selling homemade baked goods such as bread, pies, rolls, etc... I believe donuts would be a great addition to my shop. You can contact me at cherrycreekfarmshoppe@yahoo.com
  • Laura Korn said on July 25, 2008
    I want information on starting my donut shop as well. It would also be a great business where I live, like Home-Cut Donuts. I used to work there. I need information on how to make the donuts. My email address is angeleyes812@yahoo.com
  • Alan Miller said on August 6, 2008
    I want some information on how much equipment will cost to make these doughnuts, the price range of making them, and selling them to your customers. I would also like any books you would suggest to buy to start a successful doughnut shop. My email address is Tankkm52@aol.com
  • shoba Rai said on August 27, 2008
    I would like to have information on starting my donut shop. I will be grateful for any information. My email address is shoba_rai@yahoo.com
  • Abdul said on September 3, 2008
    Can I get some more information regarding the cost price of making donuts and the cost of the machinery required? Please mail any relevant documents to mohideen@gmail.com
  • Feben said on September 7, 2008
    Hello _ I am also looking into the donut business and would like to know if anyone has done the math. How much does it cost to make one donut?
  • Feben said on September 7, 2008
    My email address for the previous questions is itsfeben@gmail.com (the question was about the cost of making one donut). Thanks in advance for your help.
  • Michelle said on September 7, 2008
    I want information on start-up costs, the price to make a doughnut, possible earnings, the best companies, and recipes to deal with. Thank you, lasvegas_gal@yahoo.com, Thanx in advanced
  • Mohamed said on September 12, 2008
    Hello, I'd like to know everything to start a shop, the city plans, and make the donuts. Whenever I think of starting my business, I think of a donut shop because everyone likes donuts. They are cheap, delicious, and filling. Thank you, moejazi@gmail.com
  • Fawaz  said on September 27, 2008
    Hi, I am a jeweler, and I would like to change my business line because it is no longer profitable, and the markup is extremely low compared to doughnuts. Any advice on how to start a Doughnut business from the ground up? Cheers, fawazasad@yahoo.com
  • Marty said on September 28, 2008
    Could you please send all information on starting a donut shop from the ground up? Thanks, 406marty@tpg.com.au
  • Chuck said on October 11, 2008
    Could you please send information on starting a donut shop from the ground up? Thank you saukjl@yahoo.com
  • jcoleman@stahome.com said on October 16, 2008
    I want to start a donut business. Please e-mail me back with any information and types of equipment needed. I need to know what to buy to have a successful bakery.
  • TERRI said on October 27, 2008
    Please send me info on starting a donut shop, start-up costs, etc. I want information on start-up costs, the price to make a doughnut, possible earnings, the best companies, and recipes to deal with. Whenever I think of starting my business, I think of a donut shop because everyone likes donuts. Please e-mail me at areyan@sbcglobal.net
    Thank you,
    Terri
  • Rob  said on November 4, 2008
    Could I please get some info on how to start a donut business from the ground up? rjbpn7 at umsl.edu
  • Michelle said on November 7, 2008
    Hey, I have a bachelor's degree in management. So I'm a little new to the bakery world. But know that this product has immense potential in my country as it is relatively untapped. I want to get some info on potential costs, recipes, machinery, automation level, and the business's pros and cons. I would appreciate the help. Thank you. You can email me at michelle.d.dave@gmail.com
  • ZSmeltz18@comcast.net said on November 7, 2008
    I am starting a fictional donut shop for a school project. I need access to information such as costs to make donuts and costs for equipment and such. Thank You!
  • Master D said on November 8, 2008
    For all of you starting donut shops, there's an interesting article online about how to defeat Krispy Kreme.
  • Peyton said on November 18, 2008
    Please send me information on starting a new donut shop. This may be a good fit for our community. email: moodyroom@yahoo.com
  • Andrew  said on November 19, 2008
    I have been a donut baker for ten years. It is hard work to get a job as a donut baker.
  • ryan said on November 22, 2008
    I want more information about starting my pastry shop. Thank you codyryan06@aol.com
  • Tom Davis said on November 28, 2008
    Hi, any information about starting a donut shop would be great. Thanks, ct_talent@yahoo.com
  • Shannon said on December 5, 2008
    Hi, could you please send me information on how to start a donut shop from the ground up, including the equipment needed and kitchen square footage? Thanks a bunch! sfarney@gmail.com
  • Thomas said on December 8, 2008
    Hi, I also would like to know if you can send me some information on how to start my donut shop from the ground up, including the equipment needed. Thank you so much. thomasstrong24@yahoo.com
  • Kristi said on December 8, 2008
    Could you please send me any information on starting a donut shop? From what equipment will I need to where to find everything? Thank you. kristidinadawn@yahoo.com
  • Lady Edit said on December 8, 2008
    I would love any information you have on how to start a donut shop from the ground up. I would like to know the square footage needed, the best equipment to shop for, the costs involved, pros and cons. We can do it more "upscale," etc. I LOVE to cook and can't stop thinking about this possibility. Many, many thanks. ladyedit@gmail.com
  • John said on December 17, 2008
    I would like any information you have on how to start a donut shop from the ground up. I would like to know square footage needed, the best equipment to shop for, costs involved nmcowpoke@aol.com
  • Li said on December 30, 2008
    I am working on a donut shop school project. I need access to information such as costs to make donuts and costs for equipment and such. Thank You!
  • Li said on December 30, 2008
    I'm working on a donut shop project for a school assignment. I want information about starting a donut shop, especially the budget, and costs. lillian_yely@hotmail.com
  • reem said on January 1, 2009
    My husband and I are planning to start our own doughnut business. My hobby is cooking and baking; however, I am not professional but I bake delicious doughnuts. I would like you to assist me with some information about recipes and machines. Kindly e-mail me at reem_yahya@hotmail.com. Thank you.
  • Manali said on January 6, 2009
    I want to procure all the necessary information on opening a doughnut shop with all the costs and other minor and major details. Kindly provide the same asap. Thanks in anticipation!
  • Guest said on January 7, 2009
    Can you please send me info on starting a donut business from the ground up? THANK YOU! robertbates08@yahoo.com
  • LYNETTE said on January 7, 2009
    I live in a small country town. I have worked in deli bakeries and would like to open a donut, pastry, kuchen, bread, and rolls shop. I need all information on opening such a business and recipes for donuts and kuchen (German pastry). I want info on how and where to purchase all equipment. Any info? Thank you
  • Savannah said on January 9, 2009
    Like everyone else here, I, too, desire more information on opening a doughnut shop, including cost, profit potential, recipes, equipment, etc. I Look forward to hearing from you.
  • Karen Jackson said on January 10, 2009
    I'm trying to open up my own Donut shop here soon when I retire from my job. I would love to get information on start-up costs, equipment, recipes, and whatever other information or books on Donut shop accessories that would be beneficial to get me started. Thank you Kperry1200@sbcglobal.net
  • chris wolcott said on January 12, 2009
    I would like some information on how to start a doughnut shop. If you could send me any information to get me started, with start-up, equipment, recipes, cost, and anything else that I might need, thank you.
  • Cameron said on January 17, 2009
    Please send me information on start-up costs, profit, equipment, recipes etc. Thanks very interested.
  • Phillip Chastain said on January 19, 2009
    Any information you could send my way would be greatly appreciated. I am interested in starting a donut shop.
  • Teresa Berry said on January 20, 2009
    Any information would be greatly appreciated when starting a donut shop in my area. Thank You Teresa
  • dani said on January 21, 2009
    I want to open a doughnut shop as well. Any information that you can send will be beneficial and appreciated. Thanks...
  • albee sim said on January 22, 2009
    I want to get some information on the cost of equipment to make doughnuts, the price range of making doughnuts, and the selling price too. My email is albee_sim@yahoo.com
  • RENEE said on January 23, 2009
    I would also like information on opening a donut shop, such as equipment, recipes, other start-up costs, and any other information on starting a donut shop.
    Thanks!
    Renee
  • John Paul Smith said on January 24, 2009
    I, too would also appreciate any info you have on start-up costs, what equipment is best, proper pricing, etc. Your information would be greatly appreciated as I already have the store and am making the improvements to turn it into a doughnut shop as I type. Thanks. John Paul Smith
  • Maria Jones said on January 26, 2009
    I would love to make donuts and sell them in some capacity. I have no idea where to start. How have other people gotten their start? I would love to hear some stories!
  • Candice said on January 26, 2009
    I want any helpful information on starting my own donut shop?equipment, recipes, start-up cost wholesale buying, etc.
  • Cecile Yap said on January 26, 2009
    Can you share a good donut recipe? I love donuts not the glazed or decorated ones, but the plain yeast donuts. Thank you so much! Cecile Yap
  • floyd reed said on January 27, 2009
    To all interested in starting a donut business. It is a very satisfying and can be a rewarding business. I am writing this with 40 yrs of background experience in donut shop operations. Any serious attempt at starting a good donut shop will require money, a willingness to spend time away from your family, lots of luck in choosing a good retail location, proper design of building to allow for drive up, seating of customers, etc., licensing through your state and local government, the mechanical ability to do minor repairs yourself, a good profile of who your potential customers are and marketing skills to reach them. If you are able to do all of this and more, than you are ready to come up with a good product and sell many donuts. I strongly recommend any one who is serious to find a shop (preferably not in your area ) that will allow you to work the night shift alongside their baker (FREE OF CHARGE) for at least 3 months. If you still have that burning desire than you are donut shop material, If not, then you have saved yourself and your children inheritance from a big mistake. And above all, stay away from the wholesale business. You do not want to operate as a bank for others at wholesale pricing. Oh and then there is the small matter of employees, that’s a book in itself. Now if you have not been scared off by now, please do not come to my town as I have a feeling you are going to be very tough competition. All kidding aside, some days you will laugh and some days you will cry but it will be an education and can be very rewarding. Happy Donut Selling To All. doughboy1@gmail.com
  • Dan & Leslie said on February 4, 2009
    I would like it if you could send me any info on recipes, used equipment, and anything else on start-up of a donut shop. Thanks very much!
  • sabina adam said on February 24, 2009
    i want to start a franchise donut shop. Please can you provide me on information on the best way to create a business plan for this and any other information you have regarding opening a donut shop, Thanks
  • Jennifer Clark said on February 24, 2009
    I would also like all the information on starting a donut shop from the ground up. Thank you!
  • Annamay Larson said on March 1, 2009
    I would like to get some information on starting a donut shop? Can you please email me some information?
  • Reggie Bush said on March 4, 2009
    whats up guys? reggie bush here i'm all about making dreams happen if anybody wants help with a doughnut shop call me at 229-468-9308 and we'll make it happen.
  • Brett Favre said on March 4, 2009
    Brett Favre here retired NFL player i love doughnuts they are so yummy through all my years in the nfl i ate doughnuts in the shower when i was sleeping and when i was brushing my teeth call me at 478-258-2988
  • Al Fedele said on March 4, 2009
    Ya love dognuts lol there the best. Got a guy in Ma. That makes awesome doughnuts, need to get him to teach me then i'm going to go in business. Hey Brett Farve want a partner? I would be a good one.
  • Sandra L Bailey said on March 7, 2009
    I wish information on machines and any books on starting a donut shop. In my area of the world they have no donut shop, and I know I can make this happen. It has been my dream to open my own shop. I just need the information to help me along. my email is as follows sandrabailey@yahoo.com
  • Joey C. said on March 23, 2009
    I would like to know if there is any kind of list anyone has put together of what machinery is necessary to open a donut shop. If it is better to buy used equipment with certain items? Thank you, JOey
  • Sheri said on March 28, 2009
    Any and all info. in regards to opening up a successful donut shop would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
  • jiram carlos said on April 2, 2009
    please i would like to receive all information pertaining the opening of a donut shop. thank you tasteofkhaoz@hotmail.com
  • Veronica Estevez said on April 3, 2009
    Please send me information about how to start my own small donut shop! I will appreciate all the information. Thank you
  • SWEET PEACHES said on April 4, 2009
    I WOULD LIKE TO START A SMALL DONUT / COFFEE SHOP FOR PEOPLE ON THE GO. DURING SCHOOL HOURS, WORK HOURS, WEEKEND OUTTINGS, AND EVERYDAY PEOPLE'S ENJOYMENT.STARTING FROM THE GROUND UP PLEASE THANK YOU... INFORMATION NEEDED.
  • Slim said on April 7, 2009
    How long will it take to learn how to make donuts in a shop? 3 months? Can you send me all the info you have? THANKS! rapskaliun@hotmail.com
  • Shabi said on April 13, 2009
    I would like to receive all information about opening my own donut business shop... ishmael3@gmail.com Thanx
  • SHEPARD said on April 15, 2009
    i would like to have information on stating a donut shop. the cost and equipment and anything that will be helpful.
  • Amanda said on April 16, 2009
    i'm doing a project for my government class i have to "start" a business and provide accurate price estimates, i chose to start a doughnut shop/ bakery, i'm having trouble finding them...can you please help?
  • anita said on April 20, 2009
    I am planning on opening a donut shop in El Salvador in a few months, I would love to have all the information and advice that can to help me start up. thanks so much!
  • EddiefromOhio said on April 26, 2009
    Owning a donut shop is tough work! Starting one from the ground up will be very challenging. Try buying an existing one already established. Don't worry about a recipe, its already on the bags of donut mixes you will buy from your bakery suppliers. You will need plenty of start up cash for used equipment, supplies and materials($50,000). Again, its very hard work, keep your day job! Yes donut shops are doing well today but I worry about the future.
  • Mohammad ARif said on April 29, 2009
    hi i am interested in opening my own doughnut shop in the beautiful country of nepal.. i would really appreciate if you could help me get informed about the essentials. i just finished my undergrad and my parents are pushing me.. help, arif_bob@hotmail.com
  • Shane said on April 30, 2009
    I would like to know more information on starting my own Donut Shop. As far as, space needed equipment, permits, electrical sources. Anything and Everything about starting a Donut shop. If it better to own outright or work with a franchise. Please email me at Smcgoldrick17@gmail.com. Thank You
  • Azeem said on April 30, 2009
    i'm interested in this please send me more information at azeemhassan786@yahoo.com
  • lynn boyett said on May 9, 2009
    I need some information in opening up a doughnut shop. any information will be helpful.
  • ahed said on May 21, 2009
    I would like to know if there is any kind of list anyone has put together of what machinery is necessary to open a donut shop. If it is better to buy used equipment with certain items and the donut recipe and any information can help in this business, my email ahed58@yahoo.com thank you
  • Mink said on May 24, 2009
    Was thinking of starting a donuts shop overseas from ground up. was wondering if you can provide any necessary assistance which involves equipment etc.. thanks!
  • Missy said on May 28, 2009
    Please send me information on starting a donut shop. I wanted to do this for years and think I will be ready soon. Thank you!
  • James expert adviser said on May 30, 2009
    Q: I am planning to start a donut shop, can you point me to some online resources that might be of help?
    Watch the video.

    Q: Where can I get recipes for making donuts?
    Online resources on making donuts abound, but to save time and for easier calculation of your raw material cost, use doughnut mixes. There are a variety of types to choose from. However, if you insist on your an original recipe, then to save on cost, be sure to buy and bulk and prepare the dough on your own.

    Q: What are the equipments needed to make donuts? And how much do they cost? How do I price a donut?
    To operate a donate shop, you need fryers, cutters, ovens, and glazers. For donut equipment, business.com or Thomas.net. If you are looking for used donut equipment, there is bid-on-equipment.com

    Q: For how much can I sell donuts?
    Ideally, to get a profit, you must sell your donuts at a price that is greater than all the labour and material costs that go into making each donut. But these are not the only factors that you should consider when coming up a price for your donuts. You must also consider existing prices. If you charge too high than the prevailing price, you might lose out to competitors (unless the quality of your product justifies its high price). So go and find out for how much do grocery stores and bakeshop sell donuts. Popular donuts are sold at around $0.65 apiece. One way to reduce the unit cost of donuts produced is by buying ingredients in bulk.

    Q: What are the best companies that make donuts?
    Dunkin' Donuts, which owns donut shops all over the world. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, famous all over the country. Its donuts are available in supermarkets and convenience stores. Winchell's Donut Houses is also a national owner of donut.

    Jestin James
    Startup Biz Hub - Senior Advisor (Staff)

  • majed said on June 6, 2009
    I would like to have information on starting a donut shop outside USA, or information about the famous donuts in USA except Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Kreme. because I want send him to get your franchise in the Arabian Gulf countries. I am ready to pay good money to any person or company to show me the best brand for the U.S.A codes and arrange for me to their franchise in the Arabian Gulf countries. my email is binbnash@gmail.com
  • jason said on June 9, 2009
    Please send info on startup cost, machinery needed, as well as ingredients for donuts. lemongossgroup@yahoo.com
  • Millie Manivong said on June 17, 2009
    I am interested in starting up a donut shop. Could you please send me all the information you have on starting a donut shop. mmanivon@uncc.edu
  • KEVIN JONES said on June 17, 2009
    PLEASE SEND INFO ON STARTUP COST MACHINERY NEEDED AND CATALOGS. THANKS
  • Kasidi Pack said on June 18, 2009
    I would like to have all information on starting a donut shop. The cost and equipments, the donut recipe and anything that will be helpful. Thanks in advance! mrs_pack@yahoo.com (or) Kasidi Pack, po box 134, maysville, ok 73057
  • mary grace nuque said on June 19, 2009
    i would like to request some catalogs on coffee, donut shops: furniture, equipments, anything that has to do with donut shop. you can email me at marygracenulod@yahoo.com
  • Paul Norris said on June 21, 2009
    I am interested in starting a doughnut shop and would appreciate any information which you can supply. My email address is panorris62@gmail.com
  • John said on June 21, 2009
    can you please send me the entire info package on what I need to start a small donut shop? thank you
  • John said on June 21, 2009
    my e-mail is jvanbysteren@hotmail.com thanks
  • Rahal said on June 22, 2009
    I am interested in starting a pastry and donut shop. I would appreciate any information on starting one. I have no baking experience. I am coming up for retirement in 3 months time. my email rahal342@hotmail.com Thank you
  • Tristin said on June 23, 2009
    I'm wanting to start my own donut shop but have no idea where to start or what i need to do really. I'm kind of lost, if anyone can help give me ideas email me.. my email is tristinjames@gmail.com
  • karen brock said on June 29, 2009
    Hi my husband and I are interesting in starting a small donut shop, we would like more information on starting the business.
  • Kathleen Riedel said on June 30, 2009
    Hello, I am interested in starting my own business "a donut shop". Any information you can give would be greatly appreciated from how to get started to equipment and recipes, etc. We have no donut shops in town, I think it would be a great idea to open one for people to come and get together to talk and enjoy donuts and coffee. I would also enjoy making donuts, recipes from other countries as well. Thank you.
  • Alyssa said on July 5, 2009
    I am interested in opening donuts shop. Could any one know how to look the information or contact with reliable supplier for buying donuts machine. And also how to buy a recipe of making donuts. Thank a lot for your help !
  • Alexza said on July 11, 2009
    Hello, i am interested in the costs and profits in opening a donut shop. Any info or catalogs would be fantastic. Thank you!
  • Sola said on July 12, 2009
    I'm interested in opening a donunt shop and would appreciate receiving any catalogs and all necessary information required from equipments to opening the door to my shop. Thank you!!
  • c.reed said on July 14, 2009
    i would like more info on starting a donut shop as well, what ever can be provided would be appreciated.
  • Randy said on July 15, 2009
    I'm interested in opening a donut shop and would like more information. Any information would be extremely helpful.
  • AJ Garcia said on July 18, 2009
    If this site is still active please send me info on where I can find how to purchase the essentials for opening a donuts shop. Thanks.
  • Joe P. said on July 21, 2009
    I am interested in opening a Donut shop and would like to know what equipment I would need to have to start a small Donut shop.
  • Joanne said on July 22, 2009
    Please send info you have available on starting a donut shop particularly a review of franchises.
  • Nancee said on July 25, 2009
    Please email information or resources on everything I need to know about starting and maintaining a donut shop/bakery. I have found the location and would like to open on as soon as possible. My email address is jnbinla@yahoo.com
  • Sokunthear Chhim said on July 28, 2009
    Please email me information on starting a donut & crepe shop. Any information, from equipment, furniture, vendors, etc. is truly appreciated! My email address is sokunthear_chhim@yahoo.com

Comment

(All the above fields are required.)