Which U.S. doughnut chain was founded in 2007 in Duck, North Carolina?

The U.S. doughnut chain founded in 2007 in Duck, North Carolina, is Duck Donuts.

Duck Donuts began as a vacation-town shop in the Outer Banks community of Duck. Its concept centered on made-to-order doughnuts, allowing customers to select coatings, toppings, and drizzles rather than choosing only from a display case.

The brand’s name comes directly from its founding location, not from a duck-based ingredient or a reference to a particular doughnut style. That geographic origin is a useful way to distinguish it from other American chains with animal-themed or place-based names.

After starting in North Carolina, Duck Donuts expanded through franchised locations in multiple states and internationally. Its menu emphasizes warm, cake-style doughnuts customized after frying.