Peace, Love & Little Donuts

Peace, Love & Little Donuts

Information based on 2022 FDD

Food & Beverage · Donuts, Pastries, Bagels

Investment min
$121K
Total: $121K–$235K
Avg gross revenue
$227K
Unit-level, 2022
Franchise fee
$40K
Per current disclosure
Royalty
6%
of gross revenue
Locations
25
Franchising since 2016

Description

What is Peace, Love & Little Donuts?

Peace, Love & Little Donuts is a groovy, one-of-a-kind donut franchise that's been delighting customers since 2009 when it first opened in Pittsburgh's Strip District. This unique concept has revolutionized the traditional donut shop experience by offering made-to-order, miniature-sized donuts that are customized right before your eyes.

What sets Peace, Love & Little Donuts apart is their signature cake donut base - perfectly crispy on the outside, yet wonderfully moist inside - which serves as a canvas for an impressive array of creative toppings and flavors. With over 60 different combinations available, ranging from classic favorites to innovative 'funcadelic' creations, customers can enjoy multiple flavors without the guilt of full-sized donuts.

The brand embraces a fun, hippie-inspired atmosphere that creates an engaging experience for customers. Each location features friendly, passionate staff who prepare fresh donuts throughout the day, adding toppings and decorations as customers watch. This interactive experience, combined with their commitment to quality and creativity, has earned them a dedicated following across America.

Beyond their regular menu, they offer seasonal specialties, catering services for events and weddings, and even special treats for four-legged friends. The smaller donut size has proven to be a hit with customers who appreciate the ability to sample multiple flavors while maintaining portion control.

With their commitment to fresh ingredients, exceptional customer service, and a unique brand identity, Peace, Love & Little Donuts continues to grow its presence across the United States, bringing their delicious treats and positive vibes to new communities.
  • Lower Entry Cost Than Competitors
  • Proven Concept Since 2009
  • Specialized Menu Reduces Complexity
  • Strong Social Media Appeal

Location Analysis

Where Peace, Love & Little Donuts wins

Peace, Love & Little Donuts demonstrates strong regional concentration in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest, with an established presence across multiple states. The franchise shows particular strength in Ohio and Pennsylvania, suggesting successful market penetration in mid-sized metropolitan areas across these regions. The consistently high customer ratings and substantial review volume indicates strong operational execution and customer satisfaction.

The franchise's clustering strategy in contiguous states across the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest suggests effective supply chain management and brand recognition benefits. This regional density provides opportunities for multi-unit ownership and operational efficiencies. However, the limited presence in other regions presents significant expansion potential, particularly in neighboring states with similar demographics and consumer behaviors.

Successful locations typically operate in suburban areas with strong daytime population, proximity to universities or business districts, and complementary retail presence. The Portage, Michigan location exemplifies the potential for high performance in well-selected locations. Market analysis suggests optimal sites include areas with median household incomes above $50,000, strong morning traffic patterns, and a mix of residential and commercial zones.

Growth opportunities exist in untapped Midwest markets, particularly in Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin, where similar consumer preferences and market conditions prevail. New franchisees should focus on communities with established breakfast and coffee cultures, while avoiding oversaturated donut markets.
Total US locations
28
Franchise units
25
Corporate locations
3
Avg. sq. footage
N/A

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Financial Analysis

The numbers behind Peace, Love & Little Donuts

Avg gross revenue$226,884
Investment range$121,200 – $235,100
Investment midpoint$178,150
Brand fund1%
Royalty6%
Franchise fee$40,000
Min. net worth
Min. liquid capital
Peace, Love & Little Donuts presents an entry-level investment opportunity with total capital requirements ranging from $121,200 to $235,100, positioning it significantly below the sub-sector average of $515,392-$960,348. This lower barrier to entry makes it accessible to first-time franchisees and those with limited capital resources.

The donut shop sector benefits from consistent consumer demand for affordable indulgences, with specialty donut concepts gaining traction in the artisanal food movement. However, the reported gross revenue of $226,884 falls substantially below the sub-sector average of $700,949, which may reflect the brand's smaller footprint or emerging market presence.

With 28 units operating since 2009, the franchise demonstrates moderate system maturity but limited scale compared to major donut chains. This 15-year operational history provides some stability indicators, though the relatively small unit count suggests constrained growth velocity or selective expansion strategies.

The investment structure likely appeals to owner-operators seeking hands-on food service businesses with lower capital requirements. Territory protection and operational complexity should be carefully evaluated, as donut shops typically require early morning operations and consistent product quality management.

Ideal candidates should possess sufficient liquid capital covering the investment range plus working capital reserves, food service experience or strong operational aptitude, and comfort with retail hours. The brand's "groovy" positioning and artisanal focus may perform better in markets with younger demographics and appreciation for specialty food concepts. Prospective investors must thoroughly review the FDD and conduct comprehensive due diligence.", "brand_bragging_rights": [ "15+ years operational experience", "Lower entry investment barrier", "Artisanal donut specialty positioning", "Fun, shareable brand experience", "Catering revenue stream opportunities", "Pittsburgh heritage brand story
Did you know? Did you know that bringing the artisanal mini-donut magic of Peace, Love & Little Donuts to your community requires a total investment between $121,200 and $235,100, which covers everything from the $40,000 franchise fee to all the specialized equipment and startup costs needed to serve those irresistible warm, made-to-order little donuts that have customers lining up for more?

Financing partners

Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees

Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.

FranFund

Lender

CRF USA

Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.

Lender

First Bank of the Lake

Lender

Pension Pros

Lender

FDD Item 7

Initial investment range

$121K–$235K
Most common
$121,200
Minimum
$178,150
Midpoint
$235,100
Maximum

Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $121,200 to $235,100. The midpoint $178,150 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.

FDD Item 19

Average gross sales

$250K$200K$150K$100K$50KN/A
$227K
2020
2021
2022
Avg
$76K
YOY change (2021 -> 2022)

According to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, Peace, Love & Little Donuts has an average gross revenue of $227K. (Note: This information is based on the latest FDD in our records. Please review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and confirm this information directly with the brand. We make no claims of accuracy for the information presented.)

Growth over time

Franchise footprint

-10% YoY
4032241680
2019
2020
2021
2022
28 units open as of 2022 FDD-3 in last 12 mo

2022 Franchise Disclosure

FDD documents

Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Peace, Love & Little Donuts's 2022 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.

Estimated initial investment
FDD Item 7 · PDF
Financial performance representations
FDD Item 19 · PDF
Members-only items
Executive team
FDD Item 2 · PDF
Litigation
FDD Item 3 · PDF
Bankruptcy
FDD Item 4 · PDF
Franchisor assistance
FDD Item 11 · PDF
Members only
Unlock the 2022 FDD

Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.

Buyer FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The initial investment for a Peace, Love & Little Donuts franchise typically ranges between $121,200.00 and $235,100.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.

Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2022. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

Peace, Love & Little Donuts
Peace, Love & Little Donuts
$227K avg revenue · 25+ US franchises

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