Nothing Bundt Cakes vs Smallcakes

Franchise Comparison (2026)

2026 FDD Data

Nothing Bundt Cakes requires 6-10x higher investment ($667K-$907K vs $70K-$120K) but delivers dramatically higher revenue ($1.35M vs undisclosed) with #31 Franchise 500 ranking. Smallcakes offers the lowest barrier to entry in specialty desserts with 3% royalty vs 6% and simple store model.

Nothing Bundt Cakes and Smallcakes represent two different approaches to specialty dessert franchising - premium bundt cakes versus gourmet cupcakes. This FDD comparison examines their franchise fees, investment requirements, and revenue potential. Understanding these bakery franchise differences will help dessert entrepreneurs choose the right opportunity.

Quick Comparison

Franchise Fee

Nothing Bundt Cakes

$45,000

Smallcakes

$34,756 - $63,167

Total Investment

Nothing Bundt Cakes

$667,000 - $907,000

Smallcakes

$70,000 - $120,000

Royalty Rate

Nothing Bundt Cakes

6% of gross sales

Smallcakes

3%

Total Units

Nothing Bundt Cakes

660

Smallcakes

100

Avg Revenue

Nothing Bundt Cakes

$1.35M

Smallcakes

N/A

Detailed Comparison

MetricNothing Bundt CakesSmallcakes
Initial Investment
Franchise Fee$45,000$34,756
Total Investment (Low)$667,000$70,000
Total Investment (High)$907,000$120,000
Net Worth Required$600,000$150,000
Liquid Capital Required$200,000$50,000
Ongoing Fees
Royalty Rate6%3%
Advertising Fund5%1%
Technology FeeNot DisclosedNot Disclosed
System Size & Growth
Total Units660100
Franchised Units643100
Company-Owned Units170
3-Year Net GrowthNot DisclosedNot Disclosed
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 DisclosedYesNo
Average Revenue$1,354,939N/A
Median RevenueNot DisclosedN/A
Franchise Terms
Initial TermNot DisclosedNot Disclosed
Renewal TermNot DisclosedNot Disclosed
Territory ProtectionNot DisclosedNot Disclosed
Requirements
Owner-Operator RequiredNot DisclosedNot Disclosed
Training HoursNot DisclosedNot Disclosed
Years Franchising29 years18 years
Risk Indicators
Litigation MattersNot DisclosedNot Disclosed
Termination RateNot DisclosedNot Disclosed

Key Differences

  • Investment Range: Nothing Bundt at $667K-$907K vs Smallcakes at $70K-$120K

  • Average Revenue: Nothing Bundt at $1.35M; Smallcakes does not disclose

  • Royalty Fee: Nothing Bundt at 6% vs Smallcakes at 3%

  • Network Size: Nothing Bundt has 660 locations vs Smallcakes at 100

  • Franchise 500: Nothing Bundt ranked #31; Smallcakes not ranked

  • Product Focus: Bundt cakes vs cupcakes

  • Ad Fund: Nothing Bundt at 5% vs Smallcakes at 1%

Investment Fit Analysis

Who Should Consider Nothing Bundt Cakes

Nothing Bundt Cakes suits investors seeking a proven premium bakery brand with strong disclosed financials.

#31 on Franchise 500

$1.35M average revenue

660 locations nationwide

10-year initial franchise term

Premium bundt cake positioning

Requires $200K liquid capital

Who Should Consider Smallcakes

Smallcakes suits investors seeking the lowest barrier to entry in specialty desserts with minimal ongoing fees.

Lowest investment in bakery category ($70K-$120K)

Only 3% royalty fee

1% ad fund - lowest in category

Simple "bake fresh daily" model

100+ locations and growing

Low capital requirements ($50K liquid)

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Dive Deeper?

Download the complete FDD for each franchise to review all 23 items, exhibits, and financial statements.

Disclaimer

This comparison is provided for informational purposes only. Data has been aggregated from publicly available sources including Franchise Disclosure Documents, industry publications, and franchise analysis websites.

Prospective franchisees should review the complete FDD for each franchise, conduct their own due diligence, and consult with qualified legal and financial advisors before making any investment decisions.