
How Fast-Food Franchising Actually Works
Almost every restaurant you think of as a chain is owned by someone else entirely. What the franchisee actually buys, and why it explains the price on the board.

Menus and prices in 10 markets, 603 items tracked.
Dunkin' is a coffee business that sells donuts, and it formally dropped "Donuts" from its name in 2019 to say so. Our data shows the same priority: all ten of its products in the price index are drinks - Lattes, americanos, cappuccinos, iced coffees - Rather than baked goods.
That is not an accident of classification. Donut ranges localise almost completely, while espresso drinks are named identically everywhere, so the coffee is what can be compared.
The brand's balance also inverts by market. In the United States coffee is the priority; in several Asian markets the donut side does considerably more of the work, because local coffee competition is stronger and donuts occupy a mainstream sweet-purchase slot.
Each market has its own board. Prices are shown in local currency and are not comparable across rows - Use the index below for that.
| Market | Items | Cheapest | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand
THB |
41 | ฿25 | ฿95.56 | Thailand menu prices |
| USA
USD |
71 | $1.19 | $3.61 | USA menu prices |
| Singapore
SGD |
34 | S$2.70 | S$14 | Singapore menu prices |
| Philippines
PHP |
59 | ₱8 | ₱253.53 | Philippines menu prices |
| Malaysia
MYR |
78 | RM2.83 | RM14.95 | Malaysia menu prices |
| Australia
AUD |
41 | A$1.86 | A$6.18 | Australia menu prices |
| United Kingdom
GBP |
99 | £1.30 | £6.07 | United Kingdom menu prices |
| Ireland
EUR |
35 | €1.80 | €5.07 | Ireland menu prices |
| New Zealand
NZD |
37 | NZ$2 | NZ$10.18 | New Zealand menu prices |
| United Arab Emirates
AED |
108 | AED 6 | AED 29.94 | United Arab Emirates menu prices |
Prices are in each market’s own currency and are not comparable across rows; for that, use the price index.
Products sold under one name in four or more of our markets, converted to US dollars at weekly mid-market rates.
| Product | Markets | Cheapest (USD) | Average (USD) | Priciest (USD) | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Chocolate | 6 | $2.24 | $4.13 | $5.72 | +155% |
| Iced Americano | 5 | $1.41 | $3.27 | $4.63 | +228% |
| Latte | 5 | $1.67 | $3.35 | $5.17 | +211% |
| Iced Latte | 5 | $2.39 | $4.32 | $5.17 | +116% |
| Cappuccino | 4 | $1.67 | $3.57 | $5.17 | +211% |
| Hash Browns | 4 | $1.30 | $1.78 | $2.06 | +58% |
Every item across every Dunkin’ Donuts menu, mapped onto our dish taxonomy.
In 1950, William Rosenberg opened the first Dunkin’ Donuts in Quincy, Massachusetts, with a simple mission: serve fresh coffee and delicious donuts quickly and courteously. Recognizing the popularity of pairing donuts with coffee, Rosenberg rebranded his original shop, Open Kettle, to Dunkin’ Donuts. This vision resonated with customers, leading to the opening of the first franchise in 1955. Over the decades, Dunkin’ has grown into a global brand, known for its commitment to quality and consistency.
Dunkin’s menu offers a variety of options to satisfy diverse tastes. From classic glazed donuts and chocolate Munchkins to savory breakfast sandwiches like the Bacon, Egg & Cheese on a croissant, there's something for everyone. Beverage offerings include freshly brewed hot and iced coffees, espresso drinks like lattes and macchiatos, and seasonal specialties that keep customers coming back. Whether you're in the mood for a sweet treat or a hearty meal, Dunkin’ delivers with speed and a smile.
Beyond serving food and beverages, Dunkin’ is dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities it serves. Through initiatives like the Joy in Childhood Foundation, the company supports programs that bring joy to children battling hunger or illness. Dunkin’ franchisees and team members often volunteer their time and resources to local causes, embodying the brand's commitment to community engagement. By fostering connections and giving back, Dunkin’ continues to be a beloved part of neighborhoods across the globe.
From its humble beginnings in Massachusetts to its international presence today, Dunkin’ remains focused on delivering quality products, exceptional service, and community support.

Almost every restaurant you think of as a chain is owned by someone else entirely. What the franchisee actually buys, and why it explains the price on the board.

Localisation is not adding a novelty item. It is a staged process with a predictable sequence, and the menu data shows exactly how far each market has travelled.

Menu boards are designed documents, not lists. Where the money items sit, what the ordering of panels is doing, and how to find the price you actually want.
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