A US-based doughnut brand wants to open its unique business model in Australia, and is seeking master franchisees to take on the expansion.

Duck Donuts already has 140 units trading in six countries, with a footprint across 23 US states.

The 15-year-old franchise chain has just signed a franchise deal for Thailand which, when it opens in September, will be the first Duck Donuts in Asia.

The brand showcased its offer at the recent Melbourne Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo.

Master franchisees will need to develop a minimum of five stores before they can then sub-franchise, said global franchise development executive, Marcel Portmann.

Because of the scale of the business, Duck Donuts is looking for experienced business people to take on the initial growth.

“We’re looking for people who have or had existing operations experience in a complementary brand,” Portmann said.

He added that Duck Donuts could co-brand with complementary businesses like coffee outlets.

The offer is a little different from standard brands as the doughnuts are made from a vanilla cake base rather than yeast, and they’re made fresh to order on site. The preparation, cooking and dipping of the finished doughnut in a topping in front of the customer adds some theatricality to the experience. The toppings can be adjusted to suit the market.

The brand got its name from its coastal home town of Duck, in the Outer Banks area of North Carolina. Duck Donuts has followed through with a beach-related theme and a swimsuit-wearing duck logo.

In the US stores are typically 120sqm; for the Australian market a more compact 60sqm footprint has been designed.