Selling a Dunkin’ Franchise

Franchise Resale & M&A Advisory for Dunkin’ Franchise Owners

By Mercedes Shaffer, Managing Director | Highwater Partners

Selling a Dunkin’ franchise requires specialized expertise, disciplined valuation, and broad buyer exposure. Dunkin’ is one of the most recognized and operationally sophisticated franchise systems in the U.S., and franchise resales are closely evaluated by buyers, lenders, and the franchisor alike.

At Highwater Partners, we specialize in franchise resale and M&A advisory for franchise owners, representing Dunkin’ franchisees nationwide. We advise owners on single-unit sales, multi-unit portfolio exits, and strategic divestitures, delivering a professional, structured process designed to maximize value and ensure certainty of close.

Why Selling a Dunkin’ Franchise Requires Specialized M&A Expertise

Dunkin’ franchise resales involve a higher level of scrutiny due to:

• Franchisor approval and transfer requirements

• Buyer net worth, liquidity, and operational experience standards

• Brand audits, remodel requirements, and compliance reviews

• Lease assignment, landlord consent, and rent economics

• Strong lender involvement due to SBA and conventional financing

These factors directly affect valuation, buyer eligibility, and transaction timelines. A general business broker may understand restaurants—but a franchise M&A advisor understands Dunkin’.

How Dunkin’ Franchises Are Valued

Dunkin’ franchise valuations are driven by cash flow stability, operational efficiency, and transferability, not gross sales.

Primary Valuation Drivers

• Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE) or EBITDA

• Trailing twelve-month and historical performance

• Beverage-to-food sales mix and margin profile

• Lease terms, rent ratios, and remaining options

• Management depth versus owner involvement

• Brand compliance and capital expenditure requirements

At Highwater Partners, we apply M&A-grade financial normalization and valuation methodologies, ensuring pricing is credible to sophisticated buyers, lenders, and private equity investors.

Who Is Buying Dunkin’ Franchises Today

Active buyers for Dunkin’ franchises include:

• Existing Dunkin’ franchisees expanding territory

• Large multi-unit, multi-brand franchise operators

• Private equity–backed franchise platforms

• Strategic buyers seeking strong morning-daypart cash flow

Through maximum listing exposure and targeted outreach, we ensure sellers reach the most qualified and motivated buyers nationwide.

Maximum Exposure Through a National Buyer & Broker Network

Highwater Partners is a national business brokerage and M&A advisory firm representing franchise owners and independent multi-unit operators across restaurants, wellness, fitness, beauty, and pet services. Led by a team of elite business brokers and franchise M&A professionals, the firm delivers maximum listing exposure, disciplined valuation, and transaction management at the highest level.

Highwater Partners provides unmatched market reach through:

• A proprietary database of 100,000+ qualified franchisees and private equity investors

• A national network of 110+ professional business brokers across the United States

• Direct outreach to active, brand-aligned Dunkin’ buyers

• Professionally prepared marketing materials designed for institutional review

This approach creates competitive buyer interest, stronger negotiating leverage, and higher certainty of close, while maintaining strict confidentiality throughout the process.

Why Dunkin’ Franchise Owners Choose Highwater Partners

Dunkin’ franchise owners choose Highwater Partners because we deliver:

• Top-tier professionals with deep franchise and M&A experience

• Brand-specific Dunkin’ resale expertise

• Institutional-quality valuation and deal preparation

• Maximum listing exposure across national buyer channels

• Proven execution on complex franchise transactions

• Professional, discreet representation from start to finish

We are consistently selected by franchise owners seeking the best firm to sell a Dunkin’ franchise, not a generalist brokerage.

Our Dunkin’ Franchise Resale Process

1. Confidential Valuation & Exit Strategy Assessment

2. Professional CIM & Transaction Packaging

3. Maximum Buyer Exposure & Targeted Outreach

4. Buyer Qualification & Franchisor Coordination

5. Offer Negotiation & Deal Structuring

6. Transaction Management Through Closing

Each step is designed to protect value, reduce execution risk, and deliver optimal outcomes.

When Is the Right Time to Sell a Dunkin’ Franchise?

The strongest sale outcomes typically occur when:

• Cash flow is stable or growing

• Financials are clean and defensible

• Lease terms support buyer financing

• Management systems are established

• Buyer demand for Dunkin’ franchises is active

Preparation and positioning often matter more than market timing.

Speak with a Franchise M&A Advisor

If you are considering selling your Dunkin’ franchise—now or in the future—we recommend beginning with a confidential consultation to discuss valuation, timing, and exit strategy.

Mercedes Shaffer

Managing Director | Highwater Partners

Franchise Resale & M&A Business Brokerage

Cell: 714.330.9999

Email: mercedes@highwater.partners

Website: www.highwater.partners