East Brainerd, TN, August 12, 2025
News Summary
The beloved Duck Donuts in East Brainerd has closed its doors permanently, leaving local residents saddened. Opened in January 2020, the shop was known for its customizable doughnuts and community support. The closure comes amid a trend of franchise reductions and business transitions. Duck Donuts, which has a history of rapid expansion, continues to navigate its future with plans for new locations despite recent closings.
East Brainerd’s Duck Donuts Permanently Closes Following Chain Consolidation
East Brainerd residents are mourning the permanent closure of Duck Donuts, located on Gunbarrel Road next to Bonefish Grill in the Hamilton Corner shopping center. The shop, which opened its doors in January 2020, was officially closed as of July 27, 2023, following an announcement that the business was being sold and would transition out on July 26, 2023. The shop expressed its gratitude for the support it received from the community during its operation.
Background and Business Growth
Duck Donuts, known for its customizable doughnuts made fresh to order, alongside breakfast foods and coffee, was founded in 2007 by Russ DiGilio in Duck, North Carolina. The franchise began operations in 2013 and has since expanded rapidly, boasting over 150 locations across 26 states, Puerto Rico, and eight other countries by 2019. In that year, Duck Donuts was recognized as one of the fastest-growing chains in the United States.
The franchise’s headquarters are currently located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, after DiGilio sold the company to Philadelphia-based NewSpring Capital in 2021, at which point he stepped down as CEO. Recent leadership changes included the departure of CEO Betsy Hamm in January 2023, amid a series of corporate layoffs and franchise closures that have affected several locations across the country.
Recent Trend in Closures
The closing of the East Brainerd Duck Donuts is part of a larger trend affecting the franchise. Additional locations have also closed recently, including ones in Marietta, Georgia on August 17, Naples, Florida in June, and others across Ohio, Idaho, North Carolina, and Louisville. Despite these closures, the franchise remains committed to growth, with plans to open a new location in Knoxville on South Northshore Drive in October.
As local franchises struggle with economic challenges and changing consumer preferences, community members have expressed their appreciation for the quality service and tasty products provided by Duck Donuts. The Chattanooga Duck Donuts location, which also recently closed, thanked customers for their support and offered apologies for any inconveniences caused by the closures.
Future of the Franchise
While the closing of local stores is undoubtedly disheartening for fans of the brand, the expansion of other locations indicates that Duck Donuts is still exploring avenues for growth. The brand’s core offerings of customizable, made-to-order doughnuts have maintained popularity, and the upcoming Knoxville location aims to rekindle the brand’s engagement within the community.
Conclusion
The closure of Duck Donuts on Gunbarrel Road marks the end of a brief, yet memorable chapter in East Brainerd’s food landscape, reminding customers of the high-quality doughnuts that have gained a loyal following. As the franchise evolves and adapts to new market conditions, many are hopeful for a resurgence in popularity in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Duck Donuts on Gunbarrel Road close?
Duck Donuts on Gunbarrel Road permanently closed its doors on July 27, 2023.
Why did Duck Donuts close?
The closure was part of a business transition; the store was in the process of selling the business prior to shutting down.
Is Duck Donuts closing other locations?
Yes, additional Duck Donuts locations are closing in various states, including Marietta, Georgia, and Naples, Florida.
Are there any new Duck Donuts locations opening?
Yes, a new Duck Donuts location is scheduled to open in Knoxville on South Northshore Drive in October.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Duck Donuts
- Knox News: National Donut Day in Tennessee
- USA Today: National Donut Day Deals
- WDEF: Duck Donuts Officially Opened in Chattanooga
- Tennessean: Duck Donuts Opening in Brentwood
- Wikipedia: Doughnut
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Doughnut
- Google Search: Duck Donuts
- Google News: Duck Donuts
- Google Scholar: Duck Donuts
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
