Daylight Donuts, founded in 1954 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a time-tested donut brand with over 950 locations worldwide. Unlike most franchise models, Daylight operates as a licensee system — giving entrepreneurs the tools and products to build a donut business without paying royalties or ongoing franchise fees.
🍩 Why Consider Daylight Donuts?
✅ Licensee, Not a Franchise
Daylight Donuts uses a licensee model. That means:
- No franchise fees
- No royalties
- No marketing contributions
You simply purchase their proprietary donut mix and supplies while enjoying training and operational guidance.
✅ Lower Startup Costs
Compared to national donut franchises, Daylight Donuts offers a more affordable entry into the market.
✅ Flexibility & Freedom
Operators maintain independent control over their store layout, menu pricing, and marketing strategy — while leveraging a trusted brand name and quality ingredients.
💼 Investment Details
| Expense Category | Estimated Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Licensing Fee | $0 |
| Total Initial Investment | $100,000 – $200,000+ |
| Liquid Capital Requirement | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Royalty Fees | None |
| Ongoing Product Costs | Required purchase of Daylight mix and supplies |
Note: Your total investment will vary based on store size, buildout, and local costs.
🧩 What Does Daylight Donuts Provide?
- Proprietary donut mix & recipes
- Initial training on operations and product prep
- Store design guidance
- Equipment & supply support
- Opening day assistance
You maintain control over your real estate, hiring, and operations while benefiting from a long-standing support network.
👤 Ideal Candidate Profile
Daylight Donuts is looking for owner-operators or small business investors who:
- Want to be hands-on in daily operations
- Have basic business experience or motivation to learn
- Possess the capital and work ethic to manage a food retail business
- Prefer independence over rigid franchise structures
🌟 Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- No royalty or marketing fees
- Lower total investment compared to major franchises
- Full operational independence
- Proven brand with decades of success
⚠️ Cons
- No national advertising support
- Brand standards may vary store-to-store
- More responsibility on owner for local marketing and hiring
📍 Where Daylight Donuts Thrives
Daylight Donuts locations perform well in:
- Suburban strip malls
- Small towns and regional hubs
- Drive-thru models
- Locations near schools, churches, or office parks
The brand is especially strong in the South, Midwest, and expanding internationally.
📈 The Bottom Line
Daylight Donuts is a strong choice for entrepreneurs who want:
- A donut shop with low startup costs
- No ongoing royalty or franchise fees
- A proven product line and brand name
- More freedom to operate independently
👥 Need Help Launching Your Donut Business?
At DonutFranchiseMaster.com, we don’t just report on the donut industry — we help you build your donut business from scratch.
Whether you’re opening a Daylight Donuts license, exploring other franchise options, or creating a custom donut brand, our expert consulting team can help you with:
- Site selection & feasibility studies
- Menu planning & equipment sourcing
- Branding & marketing strategy
- Franchise or license agreement guidance
- Long-term growth and scale planning
Get in touch today to schedule a free consultation and turn your donut dreams into a profitable reality.