D.P. Dough®
What Is D.P. Dough?
D.P. Dough is a restaurant franchise specializing in freshly baked and prepared calzones, along with wings, desserts, beverages, and other food items. Franchisees operate to franchisor-specified recipes, procedures, and proprietary branded ingredients/products, and generate revenue primarily from sales of those food and beverage items through carry-out, delivery, and on-premises dining channels. D.P. Dough Restaurants are typically located in towns with a significant college or university population and must be developed and operated to franchisor specifications.
D.P. Dough Franchise: Pros and Cons
The franchise's biggest strength is an exceptional Training & Support score of 100, giving unusually strong onboarding and ongoing help, while the main risk is seven outlet non-renewals—well above typical—which suggests some operators exited early and could indicate site-level profitability or operational issues.
Pros
Cons
Lawsuits & Legal Risk
Part 1 (The Facts): The FDD discloses franchisor-initiated enforcement in 2024 alleging unpaid royalties, breach of minimum-term obligations, promissory-note defaults and non-compete violations; outcomes include default judgments and a temporary restraining order, reflecting active enforcement of system standards. Part 2 (The Advice): Review post-termination obligations and non-compete scope, guaranty and payment provisions, audit and cure rights, dispute-resolution mechanisms, and Item 12 territory protections as part of due diligence.
Territory Protection
Grants a protected operating area where the franchisor will not place other physical units. The franchisor retains the right to develop additional units in the surrounding market, to pursue alternative distribution channels and retail sales, while the franchisee retains site-specific relocation rights and protection not tied to performance contingencies.
Training & Support
The brand offers a comprehensive 206-hour training curriculum designed to prepare two individuals for initial operations and franchise launch. The program includes on-site launch support for operational readiness, with on-site assistance offered at an additional cost, and franchisees are responsible for travel and living expenses.
Unit Growth Analysis
This franchise grew from 52 units in 2023 to 56 in 2024 (+4 units, +7.7%), then to 58 in 2025 (+2 units, +3.6%), so expansion is positive but decelerating. For investors, the brand remains healthy (net unit additions continue) but momentum has slowed—the annual additions halved and the growth rate dropped ~4.1 percentage points—which may reflect market saturation, a tighter franchisee pipeline, or a deliberate shift toward consolidation.
How Much Does It Cost to Open a D.P. Dough Franchise?
Opening a D.P. Dough franchise requires a total initial investment of $120,980 to $359,910, according to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. This range covers the franchise fee, real estate, equipment, training, and initial working capital needed to launch and operate through the early months.
Minimum Investment
Maximum Investment
Minimum Investment Breakdown
Maximum Investment Breakdown
Investment Analysis
This investment analysis is coming soon. Have ideas for other analyses you'd like us to add? Get in touch.
The initial investment amounts shown are estimates only. Actual costs may vary based on location size, business model, and multi-unit ownership arrangements. We recommend reviewing the full Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.
How Much Do D.P. Dough Franchise Owners Make?
D.P. Dough franchise locations reported average gross sales of $764,419 and median gross sales of $766,179 in 2025, based on financial performance data disclosed in Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a D.P. Dough franchise?
The total initial investment for a D.P. Dough franchise ranges from $120,980 to $359,910, according to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. This includes the franchise fee, real estate, equipment, training, and working capital.
What is the D.P. Dough initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for D.P. Dough is $40,000, as stated in the 2025 FDD. This fee is paid upon signing the Franchise Agreement.
How much do D.P. Dough franchise owners make?
D.P. Dough franchise locations reported average gross sales of $764,419 and median gross sales of $766,179 in 2025, based on Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document. Actual earnings vary by location, market, and operator experience.
Does D.P. Dough have any franchise lawsuits or legal issues?
D.P. Dough received a legal risk score of 66 out of 100 in the 2025 FDD analysis. Part 1 (The Facts): The FDD discloses franchisor-initiated enforcement in 2024 alleging unpaid royalties, breach of minimum-term obligations, promissory-note defaults and non-compete violations; outcomes include default judgments and a temporary restraining order, reflecting active enforcement of system standards.
Does D.P. Dough offer exclusive franchise territories?
D.P. Dough received a territory protection score of 70 out of 100. Grants a protected operating area where the franchisor will not place other physical units.
What training does D.P. Dough provide to new franchisees?
D.P. Dough received a training and support score of 100 out of 100. The brand offers a comprehensive 206-hour training curriculum designed to prepare two individuals for initial operations and franchise launch.
How many D.P. Dough franchise locations are there?
D.P. Dough had 58 total locations as of the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document.
What type of business is D.P. Dough?
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