Whether you already run a restaurant or food service business, want to begin one, or are considering opening a franchise, you need to know: Doughnuts are big. According to Perishables Group, breakfast food sales run about $65 billion yearly. One of the United States' most popular doughnut businesses, Krispy Kreme, sold about $130,000,000 worth of doughnuts a year. Those sweet, round pastries are still a favorite among Americans.

If you already own a food business, the time-, labor-, and money-saving option is to buy high quality products from donut manufacturers. If you are more ambitious and have a great baker on hand, you may wish to invest money into new or used doughnut equipment so you can create your own gourmet doughnuts. And if you want to fully take advantage of America's doughnut-love, you may even wish to check out some of the top doughnut franchises. This guide offers advice on:

1. Choosing great doughnut suppliers,

2. Finding quality used and new doughnut equipment,

3. And seeking out a profitable doughnut franchise.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase quality pastries from wholesale doughnut makers

Unless your kitchen is well automated, making doughnuts from scratch is time and labor intensive. And unless you're one of a few doughnut retailers focusing entirely on doughnuts and similar baked goods, investing in doughnut equipment isn't likely a wise investment. Instead, find a great doughnut distributor.

I recommend: Pastry Perfection sells a wide variety of pastries wholesale, including doughnuts. Bake Crafters also has an extensive line of wholesale pastries, including bulk wrapped doughnuts, reduced fat doughnuts, mini doughnuts and more.

Find great doughnut equipment, whether new or used

If you want to dedicate a portion of your business to doughnut making, invest in quality, time saving equipment. Only shop with a doughnut equipment manufacturer or supplier who specializes in commercial equipment, and look for the most automated machines you can afford.

I recommend: Belshaw Adamatic Bakery Group offers a nice selection of commercial doughnut equipment, such as fryers of all sizes, proofers and glazers. Baker's Best offers a varying line of used doughnut making machines.

Create a recognizable doughnut business

Franchises allow you to build your business quickly. If customers already recognize the name on your store's door, they are more likely to buy doughnuts from you. Just be sure to realistically look at the costs involved in buying and running a franchise.

I recommend: Dunkin' Donuts is one of the top franchises, and Krispie Kreme is a long-time favorite, making them both excellent choices for future business owners.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When purchasing doughnut equipment, pay attention to how many doughnuts per hour the manufacturer promises from the machines. Also notice what sizes are possible with the equipment and how much the machines will cost to run.