Fast-growing donut chain Duck Donuts has announced Dwayne Hoffman has joined the company as vice president of franchise development. In this newly created position, Hoffman is responsible for overseeing franchise sales and real estate activity related to the development of Duck Donuts locations and the growth of the brand.

Hoffman has more than 25 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. Hoffman most recently worked for companies including Nathans’s Famous, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Starbucks.

“We are excited to have Dwayne join our franchise development team as we continue to focus on strategically moving forward as a national brand, entering new markets and backfilling in existing,” says Betsy Hamm, chief operating officer of Duck Donuts Franchising Company. “His extensive expertise will play an integral role as we strive to transition from an emerging to a well-known established franchise brand across the country.”

Duck Donuts is looking at a more aggressive approach to selling franchise agreements domestically and internationally. The company is particularly interested in adding locations to its portfolio west of Missouri and in tourist and resort areas. Duck Donuts plans to open 35 domestic stores per year. Franchise opportunities are available for traditional brick-and-mortar locations, with a reduced store footprint, and nontraditional venues such as food trucks and airports.