Celebrating Excellence in Donut Franchising
Recognizing the most innovative, fast-growing, and customer-loved donut & coffee brands worldwide.
Brand of the Year
Top overall performance across growth, quality, and customer love.
Newcomer Award
Standout brands launched in the last 24 months.
Tech & Ops
Smart ordering, drive-thru, delivery, and data-led excellence.
Customer Experience
Hospitality, freshness, and loyal fanbases.
Compete Where You Shine
Choose up to two categories per brand. Judges evaluate traction, quality, innovation, guest satisfaction, and operational excellence.
Best Classic Donut Brand
Iconic recipes, consistency, and value.
Gourmet / Artisanal Donuts
Craft glaze, inclusions, and seasonal menus.
Made-to-Order / Customization
Personalized toppings and speed.
Vegan / Better-For-You Offering
Plant-based or baked options that delight.
Coffee Program Excellence
Quality beans, beverages, and throughput.
Breakfast Sandwich Program
AM menu execution and ratings.
Drive-Thru Innovation
Throughput, accuracy, and CX.
Delivery-First / Virtual Bakery
Ratings, reorders, and ops quality.
Food Quality & Consistency
Fry systems, proofing, and audits.
Innovation in Tech & Ops
KDS, AI ordering, POS, or automation.
Customer Experience & Loyalty
NPS, reviews, and program growth.
Marketing & Social
Creative, community, and ROI.
Supply Chain & Sustainability
Oil, mix, packaging, and waste.
Simple, Fair, Data-Driven
Select up to two categories that fit your strengths.
Provide unit count, growth, AUV, reviews, and ops highlights.
Attach links/screenshots for menu, training, POS/KDS, or customer reviews.
Our jury reviews and shortlists objectively against criteria.
What Our Jury Looks For
Performance
Unit growth, AUV, payback, and consistency.
Quality
Food safety, fry systems, and training.
Customer Love
NPS, reviews, repeat rates, and loyalty.
Brand Strength
Positioning, design, storytelling, and digital presence.
People & Training
Onboarding, certifications, and career paths.
Sustainability
Oil recycling, packaging, sourcing, and energy initiatives.
Key Dates
Mark your calendar. Submissions close soon.
Meet the Judges
Operators, analysts, and creators in bakery, coffee, and QSR. Replace with your confirmed panel if needed.
Alex CarterMulti-Unit Operator
Maya PatelMarket Analyst
Daniel KimTech & Ops
Sofia NguyenBrand & CXHall of Fame
Logos shown for identification only. Replace with your verified winners when ready.
Program Sponsors
Brand marks shown for identification only; not affiliated unless stated.
Nomination Form
Complete the form and our team will confirm your submission. Need help? Email awards@donutfranchisemaster.com.
Questions & Answers
Who can enter?
Franchise brands, master franchisees, area developers, and brand owners worldwide.
Is there an entry fee?
Basic entries are free. Optional enhanced entries (with deeper benchmarking and feedback) may include a fee—add your pricing later.
How many categories can I enter?
Up to two per brand.
When are winners announced?
Winners are revealed on May 10, 2026. See the timeline for all key dates.
Donut Awards Highlights
Discover standout brands honored for excellence and creativity in the donut industry, celebrating their success and innovation.
“Winning the Donut Award was a game-changer, truly recognizing our team’s dedication and passion for quality.”
Alex Martin
Brand Manager
“The recognition from Donut Franchise Master affirmed our commitment to innovation and customer delight.”
Samantha Lee
Operations Director
Discover Top Donut Brand Highlights
Dive into a handpicked selection of visuals capturing the innovation and excellence of leading donut brands.
Discover the Leading Donut Brands Now
Dive into the world of donut excellence—browse award winners, learn about their innovations, and get inspired to elevate your own brand with Donut Franchise Master.