Denny's vs Dunkin Donuts
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Denny's and Dunkin Donuts are full-service restaurants franchises. Denny's requires an investment of $1.6M – $3.1M while Dunkin Donuts requires $532K – $1.8M. In terms of revenue, Denny's reports higher average unit revenue at $1.9M. On SBA loan performance, Denny's has a lower charge-off rate (7.5%) compared to Dunkin Donuts (7.5%). FranchiseVerdict rates Denny's A (Strongest tier) and Dunkin Donuts A (Strongest tier).
| Metric | Denny's | Dunkin Donuts |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | AStrongest tierStrongest tier | AStrongest tierStrongest tier |
| Investment Range | $1.6M – $3.1M | $532K – $1.8M |
| Franchise Fee | $30K | $40K |
| Royalty Rate | 4.5% | 5.9% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $1.9M | $1.4M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 7.5% (283 loans) | 7.5% (1341 loans) |
| Total Units | 1,274 | 8,780 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1994 | 1955 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2026 |
Investment Range
$1.6M – $3.1M
$532K – $1.8M
Franchise Fee
$30K
$40K
Royalty Rate
4.5%
5.9%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$1.9M
$1.4M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
7.5% (283 loans)
7.5% (1341 loans)
Total Units
1,274
8,780
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1994
1955
FDD Year
2025
2026