Duff's CakeMix franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The Duff's CakeMix franchise fee is $45,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $271,800 to $414,900, with about $60,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the Duff's CakeMix FDD.
What are the Duff's CakeMix franchise fees and investment?
The Duff's CakeMix franchise requires a franchise fee of $45,000 and a total initial investment of $271,800 to $414,900. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $45,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $271,800 to $414,900 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $60,000 |
| US locations | 2 |
| Industry | Food & Restaurant |
| Headquarters | Irvine, California |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Franchising since | 2022 |
How does the Duff's CakeMix investment compare with other food & restaurant franchises?
Duff's CakeMix's minimum investment of $271,800 is at or below the median minimum investment of $297,082 across the 1213 food & restaurant franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 661 of the other 1211 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $45,000 compares with an industry median of $35,000.
By minimum investment, Duff's CakeMix belongs with franchises from $250,000 to $500,000.
What should you verify in the Duff's CakeMix FDD?
Verify six parts of the Duff's CakeMix Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether Duff's CakeMix discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to Duff's CakeMix?
These food & restaurant franchises have the closest minimum investment to Duff's CakeMix:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Beach Hut Deli | $35,000 | $272,458 to $636,812 |
| Bellacino's | $30,000 | $270,500 to $414,890 |
| Spiked Rich | $40,000 | $273,175 to $492,885 |
| Koibito Poke | $30,000 | $273,300 to $577,150 |
| Deli Zone | $15,000 | $269,800 to $437,000 |
See every brand in food & restaurant franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Duff's CakeMix franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a Duff's CakeMix franchise ranges from $271,800 to $414,900, including a franchise fee of $45,000, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a Duff's CakeMix franchise?
Duff's CakeMix lists a minimum of about $60,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many Duff's CakeMix locations are there?
Duff's CakeMix reported 2 US locations in the data compiled in October 2026. Item 20 of the FDD shows openings, closures and transfers for the last three years.
How long has Duff's CakeMix been franchising?
Duff's CakeMix started offering franchises in 2022 after the company was founded in 2012.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. Duff's CakeMix and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by Duff's CakeMix. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.