DonutNV & Franchise Fastlane sold 276 DonutNV franchise territories to 130 franchisees in less than two years. Does closing lots of deals make the mini-donut concept a safe investment and viable franchise opportunity? Is the DonutNV concept viable as a semi-absentee venture run alongside other businesses or a full-time job? The answer depends on how many of those franchisee investors achieved the profitability, average event revenue and adjusted gross sales represented in DonutNV advertising and sales presentations. As many DonutNV franchisees are not permitted to share their candid opinions or experiences, brokers and prospects should look at DonutNV franchisee turnover… including closures, transfers, and sales… to assess the risk of the DonutNV franchise. by Sean Kelly
(UnhappyFranchisee.com) We extend our condolences to all the individuals and families, including Veterans and military family members, whose American Dream of building a successful franchise business didn’t work out – for what ever reason.
We know that the columns in the FDD for Terminations, Ceased Operation and Transfers are not just numbers – they represent lost savings, retirement, and educational funds, crushing debt, marital and family strain, depression, and even home foreclosure. Military Veterans, the #1 target of franchise sellers, may have the added strain of worsening PTSD, garnishment of military and disability benefits, and loss of security clearances they need to rebuild financially.
In order to avoid these devastating consequences, prospective franchisees should be able to base their decisions on factual, verifiable information on the performance and outcomes of current & recent franchisees.
We received reports from DonutNV franchisees that some of the information provided in the company’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) was incomplete, inaccurate and/or misleading. Franchisees expressed their opinions that the sales and profit representations were misleading, that the costs and hours required were understated, and that the franchisor failed to disclose all franchisee failures and/or ownership transfers.
DonutNV’s Scott & Amanda Gingold have, thus far, declined to publicly respond or to openly address or refute these allegations.
The current DonutNV FDD and state registrations expire on April 31, 2025. In order to discuss & (hopefully) independently validate the Item 20 disclosures of the 2025 FDD, we’re inviting those familiar with DonutNV to contribute what they know about the performance of DonutNV franchises to date.
The lists below are unofficial works in progress, subject to further verification and, with your help, correction. Some info (gleaned from public & private sources) may be incorrect. We have linked to documentation where possible. Please share additions, clarifications and corrections through the comment sections below (your email address won’t be public) through confidential email (UnhappyFranchisee[at]Gmail{dot]Com], Whatsapp or Signal. DonutNV Franchising & Franchise Fastlane are invited to provide verified data.
| Arizona Anthem Douglas Pillsbury* Connecticut Ridgefield Michael Zeitz, Jane Zeitz* [Link] Florida Clermont Rachelle & Thomas Hughes (Veteran) [Link] Clermont Nenad Markovic Gotha Ronald Smith Groveland Patty Aviles, Ana Markovic Jacksonville Beach Kristen Gugliotta Ocala John & Dana Owens [Link] Orlando , South Ludimilla & James Mazurek* Panama City Mike Flowers] [Link] Riverview (2) Darlene Ortega, Luis Villamar [Link] St. Augustine Michael Ryan Tampa Asher Rudolph* Georgia Woodstock Lee Alcorn* (Veteran) [Link] Hilton Head Island Marc Schnobrich* [Link] Bogart Matthew Johns, Christy Johns [Link] Roswell Matthew Moore, Elizabeth Moore | Kansas Olathe – Sean Trumbly Kentucky Louisville Timothy Raque, Kristina Raque* Minnesota North Mankato Andrew Nessler, Christine Nessler North Carolina Charlotte Mount Holly Burt & Elizabeth Nassif [Link] South Carolina Rock Hill Jason Scott Wells & Mallory Outlaw (Dina Wells) Tennessee Chattanooga – Jay Henry Texas Frisco Mohammed Merchant McKinney Matthew Miller, Rebecca Miller (4) New Braunfels Scott Larson, Stacy Larson Woodlands Rosaly Rosario-Lasalle Virginia Midlothian Jim Russo* Alexandria Pravesh Mallik * Purchased multiple territories, per FDD |
Also read: DONUTNV Franchise Owners Selling at a Loss
| Florida Emerald Coast Tyler Baker Groveland Patty Aviles Central Tampa Sebring Dimitrios Panagiotopoulos New York West Islip (Deer Park) Melissa Stein South Carolina York County Rock Hill Scott & Dina Wells (?) | Tennessee Chattanooga – Jay Henry Columbia Culleoka Steven and Duana Ray Cookeville Chad & Bonny Day Used DonutNV Trailer Virginia Fairfax, VA Utah St. George Anthony and Holly White Saratoga Springs (Levi?) Tom Bowcut & Gabe Granata |
These are individuals publicly described as franchisees but who do not appear in any recent FDD.
The franchisor may have perfectly good reasons not to disclose them or their franchises; we invite the Gingolds and DonutNV to clear up this confusion.
DonutNV MultiUnit franchisees (Charlotte, NC) Burt & Elizabeth Nassif DonutNV franchisee (Panama City, FL) Mike Flowers DonutNV franchisees (Clermont, FL) Rachelle & Thomas Hughes | DonutNV’s 2nd franchisee (Pottstown, PA) Daryl Poe DonutNV franchisees (Ocala, FL) John & Dana Owens |
Hopefully, the 2025 DonutNV Franchise Disclosure Document (due out 4/31/25) and state registrations will be complete, accurate and do away with the need for a crowdsourced status report.
But for now we need your help: Please post additions, corrections, clarifications or updates (in confidence) in the comments below, or through email, WhatsApp or Signal.
This list should be considered a work in progress and many of the entries are unverified or semi-verified.
We invite those who have the answers (DonutNV Franchising, Scott & Amanda Gingold and Franchise Fastlane) for their help in creating an accurate, up-to-date list.
Also Read:
DonutNV Franchise Downgraded by Broker Group (?) as Franchisees Exit, Questions Grow
Is the DonutNV Franchise Too Good to be True?
DonutNV Franchise Earnings Claims: Accurate? Or Intentionally Deceptive?
Franchise Brokers: Have ZERO DonutNV Franchise Owners Failed?
Do DonutNV Franchise Sellers Support Free Speech & Full Disclosure?
DonutNV References/Documentation:
DonutNV 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
DonutNV 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
DonutNV 2022 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
Please leave a comment below or email us, in confidence, at UnhappyFranchisee[at]Gmail[dot]com.
Franchisors: The franchisor, its employees and agents are invited to submit correction, clarifications, rebuttals or other opinions for immediate consideration.
UnhappyFranchisee.com is not associated with this or other franchise company or seller.
Tags: DonutNV, DonutNV franchise opportunity, DonutNV franchise failures, DonutNV closed, Franchise Fastlane, Alex Gingold, Amanda Gingold, Scott Gingold, Jake Hamburger, Jennifer Cain, Mike Flowers, Franchise Sidekick, Franchoice, IFPG, Attorney Joseph Ferris, Joe Ferris, Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg LLP
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