Duck Donuts currently operates across the US, Canada, Saudi Arabia and Egypt | Photo credit: Duck Donuts

US donut and coffee chain Duck Donuts has signed franchise agreements to enter Australia, the Bahamas and Iraq. 
 

The Pennsylvania-based chain currently operates more than 110 stores across the US, alongside outlets in Canada, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. 

Duck Donuts said the international franchise agreements will see five outlets open in Sydney, Australia, three stores in the Bahamas and 10 outlets in Iraq, although no time frame was provided. 

The donut and coffee chain opened five franchised stores and signed a total of 10 franchise agreements in its first quarter of 2023, which will add at least 25 outlets to its global footprint.  

Duck Donuts expects to open 35 outlets by the end of 2023, including its first store in Thailand. 

“We welcome our newest franchise partners to the system and look forward to supporting them throughout their journey as a small business owner. From domestic locations to our international expansion, we are one step closer to achieving our vision of serving an edible ring of happiness around the globe,” said Eric Lavinder, Chief Development Officer, Duck Donuts. 

Duck Donuts’ planned Iraqi debut follows the February 2023 market entry of fellow US bakery and café chain Cinnabon, which opened its first Iraq store in the Baghdad neighbourhood of Al Jadiriyah.  

The Iraqi café market is predominantly led by domestic independent businesses but also includes US coffee chains Green Beans Coffee and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf alongside Italian chains Café Barbera, Caffé Vergnano and Segafredo Zanetti.