Baked goods cover a huge range of products, including bread, cookies, cupcakes, donuts, pretzels, bagels, and on and on. Pastries can be breakfast, easy, inexpensive lunch, or an award after a hard day. Because of its low price, customers have been less likely to cut back on them during hard times like pandemics. That makes the bakery cafés business more stable.
The industry has big names like Dunkin Donuts, Krispy Kreme, and Cinnabon and family-owned companies that offer uncommon concepts, from organic desserts to European sweets. Many franchises have the potential to generate additional income through supplying supermarkets and catering.
Franchisees will perform managerial functions, so food experience is not needed. Anyway, at the franchisor's training, you will be taught the basics of baking and key aspects of business operation.
We collected for you 40 of the best bakery franchises opportunities with great support and cost-effectiveness.
1. Dunkin' Donuts
- Founded: 1950
- Franchising since:1955
- Initial investment: $228,620 – $1,691,200
- Initial franchise fee: $40,000 - $90,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5.9%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $125,000
Dunkin’ Donuts: a franchise that needs no introduction. It is one of the biggest food franchises in the world with locations in over 32 countries. Not bad for a company that only 50 years ago was just a doughnut shop in Quincy, Massachusetts. In addition to famous donuts, the company offers bagels, muffins, and hot drinks. The franchisor has several options for the stores.
2. Cinnabon
- Founded: 1985
- Franchising since:1986
- Initial investment: $182,750 – $327,300
- Initial franchise fee: $30,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $400,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $120,000
Cinnabon is a worldwide bakery franchise famous for its cinnamon rolls. The franchise locations can be found in shopping malls, airport terminals, and entertainment centers. Three franchise options are offered: full, express, or concession bakery. Also, both single and multi-unit are available. It is preferred to franchisees to previous restaurant management experience. Inexperienced franchisees must attend an additional evaluation program before the next steps.
3. Auntie Anne's Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels
- Founded: 1988
- Franchising since:1989
- Initial investment: $199,475 – $385,100
- Initial franchise fee: $30,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 7%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $400,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
Auntie Anne's Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels started as a stand at a farmer’s market. The franchise serves hand-rolled soft pretzels and beverages in various locations, from malls to airports and military bases. The company offers two concepts: standard shop and concession shop – it can be a temporary stand, trailer, or food truck. The franchisor will provide vast support, including legal, accounting, crewmember training, and more.
4. Nothing Bundt Cakes
- Founded: 1997
- Franchising since: 2006
- Initial investment: $392,875 – $545,475
- Initial franchise fee: $30,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $600,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $150,000
Nothing Bundt Cakes specialty is gift cakes: from single-serving size Bundtlets to big birthday and anniversary cakes. The franchise bakeries use proprietary recipes and imaginative decorations.
The ideal candidates have marketing or business management experience and are ready to follow a proven system. Baking or restaurant experience is not necessary.
5. Wetzel's Pretzels
- Founded: 1994
- Franchising since: 1996
- Initial investment: $164,950 – $405,850
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 7%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $200,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $60,000
Wetzel's Pretzels specializes in pretzels, frozen lemonade, and a frozen Italian dessert called granita. The franchise stores can be found in shopping malls, stadiums, airports. The business model is easy to operate and has extensive ongoing support from the franchisor. All franchisees will attend training programs about operations, customer service, sales & marketing.
6. Duck Donuts
- Founded: 2006
- Franchising since:2013
- Initial investment: $200,000
Duck Donuts is known for made-to-order donuts and partnership with local communities. The franchise support system includes theoretical and hands-on training, pre-opening and ongoing support, and marketing assistance. Candidates must have business experience; a restaurant background is not required.
7. Great American Cookies
- Founded: 1977
- Franchising since:1977
- Initial investment: $160,050 – $461,135
- Initial franchise fee: $15,000 - $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
Chocolate chip cookie recipes become a turning point for creating Great American Cookies. The franchise location serves a wide range of cookies made from secret cookie dough exclusively from the company's plant in Atlanta. The store size ranges from 500 to 900 square feet, and for kiosks - about 250 square feet. The franchisor offers single and multi-unit options. Military veterans can have a discount for the franchise fee of the first store.
8. Breadsmith
- Founded: 1993
- Franchising since:1993
- Initial investment: $354,250 – $399,900
- Initial franchise fee: $30,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5-7%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $150,000
Breadsmith offers authentic artisan bread. The franchise bakeries use exclusive flour, steam-injected hearth ovens, and high-quality spices.
Franchisees may have money from retail and wholesale sales. An experienced team developed a proven business system that will make the opening process as smooth as possible. Besides, the franchisor will help with the local market and provide ongoing support.
9. Cinnaholic
- Founded: 2010
- Franchising since:2014
- Initial investment: $178,000 – $309,500
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $50,000
Cinnaholic focused on vegan cinnamon rolls with a variety of flavors as well as lactose-free, egg-free, cholesterol-free options. The stores can be fitted in most locations, the franchisor will help with site selection. The franchise owners will receive support every step of the way, from training to marketing support and ongoing business consulting. Candidates must have a business-owning background; baking experience will be helpful but not required.
10. Kolache Factory
- Founded: 1981
- Franchising since: 2000
- Initial investment: $407,830 – $712,500
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $500,0000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $150,000
A quick-service bakery-cafe franchise serves Eastern European kolaches. Kolache Factory freshly baked pastries are neat to eat and can be with different fillings, from fruits to meat. The franchisor is committed to franchisees' success and supports them in many aspects, from training to marketing communications.
11. Le Macaron
- Initial investment: $91,750 – $373,500
- Initial franchise fee: Single: $45,000; Three: $99,000; Five: $150,000
- Net-Worth Requirement: $250,0000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $65,000
Le Macaron specializes in French pastries, gelato, gourmet chocolates, and handmade candies alongside European-style coffees. The boutiques can be open in one of three forms: café, kiosk, or cart. The franchisor will handle all baking and preparation, so no on-site baking required. The franchise can be owner-operated or be a semi-absentee investment.
12. Peace, Love & Little Donuts
- Founded: 2009
- Franchising since: 2016
- Initial investment: $121,200 – $235,100
- Initial franchise fee: $40,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
Peace, Love & Little Donuts cafes serve mini donuts with frostings and a selection of toppings, coffee, and branded merchandise. After getting permits and licenses, and the date for completion of the construction, the franchisor will schedule staff training. The franchise owners will also have operations support and advertising guidance.
13. Nestlé® Toll House® Café
- Franchising since: 2000
- Initial investment: $150,000 – $475,000
- Initial franchise fee: $30,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%, Marketing: 1.5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $300,0000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
Nestle Toll House Cafe offers a variety of Nestle products like cookies, brownies, muffins, espresso-based drinks, ice cream, smoothies, grilled flatbreads, and more. Bakery cafés are located at shopping malls, outlet centers, or lifestyle centers. The franchise model doesn't require previous franchising experience, thanks to comprehensive assistance in all aspects of business operation.
14. Pretzelmaker
- Founded: 1991
- Franchising since: 1992
- Initial investment: $205,200 – $327,000
- Initial franchise fee: $15,000 - $25,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 7%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
Pretzelmaker has over 30 years of experience in making hand-twisted pretzels and pretzel dogs. The franchise menu also includes snacks, fresh lemonade, and cold beverages. Traditional and non-traditional store types are available. The franchisor offers both single and multi-unit opportunities. The franchise owners must have strong leadership and customer service skills.
15. Ben's Soft Pretzels
- Founded: 2008
- Franchising since: 2013
- Initial investment: $117,300 – $332,000
- Initial franchise fee: $30,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $50,000
Ben's Soft Pretzels uses an Amish-inspired recipe for their on-site baked pretzels that are twice bigger than most of the competitors. The franchise has comprehensive training, ongoing support, and a master lease and licenses agreement with Walmart and Meijer so franchisees can open locations in their high-traffic areas.
16. Krispy Kreme
- Founded: 1937
- Franchising since: 1947
- Initial investment: $440,500 – $2,750,000
- Initial franchise fee: $12,500 - $25,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 4,5%
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $300,000
Since 1937 Krispy Kreme Doughnut serves signature hot glazed doughnuts, coffee, and beverages. The franchise has the following store formats: factory store that manufactures fresh doughnuts on-site, and retail sales facility with limited manufacturing capabilities — tunnel oven shop, fresh shop, box shop. For stores with limited manufacturing, doughnuts are produced by commissary facilities.
With over 70 years of experience in franchising behind the back, the company developed a proven franchise system that helps owners successfully operate their stores.
17. Great Harvest
- Founded: 1976
- Franchising since: 1978
- Initial investment: $242,620 – $589,762
- Initial franchise fee: $20,000 - $30,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $130,000
Great Harvest offerings include made from scratch authentic bread and pastries, sandwiches, grain bowls, and soups. The franchise has two concepts: Hub - full bakery-cafes and Spoke, which operate as cafes. The franchise business model is suitable for multi-unit ownership. The franchisor will provide training and personal coach, and comprehensive pre-opening assistance. While previous baking experience is not required, candidates must have a strong track record of business success.
18. Philly Pretzel Factory
- Founded: 1998
- Franchising since: 2004
- Initial investment: $133,999 – $351,393
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
One more pretzel franchise on our list - Philly Pretzel Factory. In addition to traditional pretzels, the franchise menu offers pretzel twists such as mini pretzels, pretzel dogs, cheesesteak pretzels. The support provided by Franchise Support Managers includes classroom instruction and hands-on training, construction assistance, operations and marketing manuals.
19. Big Apple Bagels
- Founded: 1993
- Franchising since: 1993
- Initial investment: $277,800 – $394,200
- Initial franchise fee: $25,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
Big Apple Bagels is loved by customers for its fresh bagels, muffins, sandwiches, and branded coffee. The franchisor guarantees guidance and assistance at key aspects of business operation and coordination with national and regional suppliers.
20. The Dapper Doughnut
- Founded: 2015
- Franchising since: 2015
- Initial investment: $77,000 – $233,000
- Initial franchise fee: $15,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $50,000
The Dapper Doughnut offers hot mini doughnuts with unique topping combinations. The store concepts include a full-service retail store, kiosk, and cart. The franchise locations can be found in traffic areas, for example, malls, city locations, sports arenas, hotels, airports, etc. The store concepts include a full-service retail store, kiosk, and cart. Franchisees benefit from catering opportunities, largely protected territories, multi-phase training, and marketing support.
21. House of Chimney Cakes
- Founded: 2017
- Franchising since: 2019
- Initial investment: $103,720 – $171,850
- Initial franchise fee: $25,000 - $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
House of Chimney Cakes specialization is a traditional Hungarian dessert made with cylinder-shaped dough with fillings and toppings. The company offers two options: single-unit and area development franchises. Previous baking or business experience is not mandatory to own the franchise cake shop. The franchisor will equip franchisees with the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to operate the business by providing multi-phased training.
22. Woops!
- Founded: 2012
- Franchising since: 2012
- Initial investment: $197,727
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $150,000
Woops! franchise location sells authentic French macarons, pastries from cuisines from all over the world, coffee and tea. For franchisees, there are two options available: a kiosk and a bakeshop store. Regardless of the chosen concept, the franchisor will provide back-office business operations training and equipment operation training that will vary for kiosk and bakeshop franchisees. No baking experience is required, but it is recommended for candidates to have managerial experience.
23. Einstein Bros. Bagels
- Founded: 1995
- Franchising since: 2006
- Initial investment: $564,300 – $935,850
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
Einstein Bros. Bagels is a bakery franchise that focuses on bagels and bagel sandwiches, baked snacks, sweets, and coffee. Full franchise support will be provided to the franchise owners, including but not limited to site selection and construction, training, product development, and marketing.
24. Shipley Do-Nuts
- Founded: 1936
- Franchising since: 1987
- Initial investment: $340,900 – $556,200
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 4%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $600,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $200,000
For the last eighty-five years, Shipley Do-Nuts has been making its proprietary donuts. Now, the franchise menu also offers different varieties of pastries. The company has flexible location requirements, from 1800 sq. feet to2200 sq. feet. The franchisor developed comprehensive training and a proven business system with ongoing support, using the background of operation of company-owned stores.
25. Bruegger’s Bagels
- Founded: 1983
- Franchising since: 1993
- Initial investment: $500,000
- Net-Worth Requirement: $1,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $200,000
Bruegger’s Bagels offer fresh-baked bagels, breakfast and lunch options.
The company is looking for entrepreneurs with strong leadership skills and restaurant management experience. The franchisor's trainers will provide extensive training and support system.
26. Cupcake Charlie's
- Founded: 2008
- Franchising since: 2013
- Initial investment: $199,250 – $413,500
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
Cupcake Charlie's serves fresh daily-baked cupcakes. The franchise stores have an open kitchen and a family-friendly environment. The franchisees must have a passion for baking, while management experience will be beneficial but not obligatory. The franchisor will provide initial training and pre-opening assistance.
27. Dessert'D Organic Bake Shop
- Founded: 2011
- Franchising since: 2018
- Initial investment: $257,000 – $446,550
- Initial franchise fee: $20,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
Dessert'D Organic Bake Shop franchise offers various pastries like cookies, cakes, cupcakes, pies, and wedding catering. The company is eco-friendly: it uses natural and organic ingredients, sustainable bakery boxes and supports local organic and fair trade farms. Franchisees must be equally passionate about the environment and organic desserts.
28. Donut Bar
- Founded: 2013
- Franchising since: 2017
- Initial investment: $308,700 – $699,000
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 10%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $700,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $300,000
Donut Bar was established by Chef Santiago Campa and co-founder Wendy Bartels. The franchise specializes in made-from-scratch, award-winning donuts. The franchisor will assist with business launching and provide initial training, operational manuals, marketing guidance.
29. The Donut Experiment
- Initial investment: $275,000 – $300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
The franchise offers made in front of the customer donuts with a large selection of icings and toppings, including maple bacon and Sriracha. Footprints of The Donut Experiment store approximately 1,300 square feet. Franchisees will benefit from an exclusive territory, additional revenue from catering, and a semi-absentee model. Both single and multi-unit options are available.
30. Golden Krust
- Founded: 1989
- Franchising since: 1996
- Initial investment: $159,200 – $564,000
- Initial franchise fee: $15,000 - $25,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 3%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $3,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $150,000
Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill menu offerings are based on Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine. In addition, the company distributes its food products to supermarkets, schools, hospitals. The franchise offers a traditional restaurant and drive-thru restaurant concepts. Support systems include training, pre-opening assistance, operational and marketing support.
31. House of Bread
- Founded: 1996
- Franchising since: 1998
- Initial investment: $157,000 – $347,000
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $150,000
House of Bread offers in-store baked bread, pastries, and sandwiches for both retail and wholesale. The franchise has a single-unit model and multi-unit franchise opportunity available with a franchise fee discount. The franchisor will provide a comprehensive initial training program for owners and key staff. Franchisees must be ready to make a full-time commitment for the first year.
32. Pinkabella
- Founded: 2009
- Franchising since: 2015
- Initial investment: $97,260 – $189,100
- Initial franchise fee: $25,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 3-5%
Pinkabella is a cupcake bakery store and catering franchise. The franchisor expects that candidates have a management or business background and will be actively involved in the operation of the store daily. Qualified candidates will have all the needed assistance.
33. Joey Bag a Donuts
- Founded: 2009
- Franchising since: 2012
- Initial investment: $207,700 – $587,800
- Initial franchise fee: $30,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $250,000
Joey Bag a Donuts combines three concepts in one by offering donuts, bagels, and coffee. The franchise shops may also offer muffins, breakfast sandwiches, strombolis, and frappes. Franchisees will have flexibility in designs for donuts, but they must adhere to company standards.
34. Randy's Donuts
- Founded: 1962
- Franchising since: 2019
- Initial investment: $369,250 – $526,000
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $1,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $300,000
Randy's Donuts is known for appearances in Iron Man and other movies, numerous music videos, and television shows. The franchisor criteria for candidates include experience in the multi-unit operation of food service or retail businesses and living in the territory they wish to franchise.
35. Metro Bagel & Sandwich
- Founded: 2013
- Franchising since: 2018
- Initial investment: $83,000 – $227,500
- Initial franchise fee: $26,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: $750/mo.
- Net-Worth Requirement: $200,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $50,000
Metro Bagel & Sandwich shops daily offer a variety of bagels and lunch sandwiches made with natural ingredients, a large selection of beverages. The franchise owners are result-oriented entrepreneurs who are ready to follow a proven system.
36. Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken
- Founded: 2012
- Franchising since: 2014
- Initial investment: $393,600 – $676,000
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $2,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $500,000
Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken was founded by chef Tom Ferguson. The fast-casual restaurants with a swift service line serve Southern cuisine-inspired meals such as biscuits filled with savory ingredients, donuts, and chicken. The franchise provides multi-unit development opportunities for at least three units. Franchisees will have site selection and build-out support, training, grand opening assistance, operational support, and marketing guidance.
37. House of Cupcakes
- Founded: 2008
- Franchising since: 2013
- Initial investment: $259,250 – $271,500
- Initial franchise fee: $25,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $300,000
House of Cupcakes franchise was created by the winners of Cupcake Wars. The franchise offers over 40 flavors of cupcakes, gourmet cookies with a frozen center, pull apart cakes, wedding towers, cake pop and push-up cupcake pops, especially loved by kids. The company is looking for experienced entrepreneurs with a passion for desserts.
38. UCBC Bagels
- Founded: 2010
- Franchising since: 2017
- Initial investment: $182,900 – $433,900
- Initial franchise fee: $29,900
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $29,900
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $29,900
Upper Crust Bakery & Café (or UCBC) is a bagel cafe and shop. Franchisees will serve breakfast and lunch items such as bagels, specialty sandwiches, salads, muffins, and a wide range of beverages. The franchisor will provide each owner a personalized consultant who will provide support from the first day, along with a team of experts.
39. Yummy Cupcakes
- Founded: 2004
- Franchising since: 2011
- Initial investment: $185,679 – $325,665
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $150,000
Yummy Cupcakes is a family-owned and operated franchise that offers gourmet-style cupcakes. The company has three franchise programs: single bakeshop, area development agreement for minimum 2- 3 bakeshops, and satellite development program – a hub bakeshop and 2-3 satellite retail stores. The franchisor will provide comprehensive training covering business management and baking, proprietary recipes, operational and marketing manuals, and ongoing support. Ideal candidates have experience in the retail food world, but applications from candidates without experience will be considered too.
40. We're Rolling Pretzel
- Founded: 1996
- Franchising since: 2000
- Initial investment: $91,000 – $223,000
- Initial franchise fee: $15,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $100,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $50,000
We're Rolling Pretzel bakeries serve hand-rolled pretzels made with secret recipe dough, stuffed pretzel items, and a wide range of cold lemonades, iced tea and coffee. Franchisees will be supported by foodservice professionals. The franchisor also provides initial training and training materials, an operational manual, and many types of marketing assistance. Single unit, multi-unit, and area development franchise opportunities are available.
