Mister Donut

Mister Donut is a well-established donut and coffee chain with deep roots in Japan’s food landscape. The company began in 1955, founded by Harry Winokur in Boston, but its most significant chapter started when Duskin Co., Ltd. brought the brand to Japan in 1971. After a period of rapid growth, Mister Donut became a fixture in Japanese daily life, and by the late 1980s, Duskin had secured exclusive rights to the brand in Japan. The U.S. operations ended in the 1990s, and since then Mister Donut has focused almost entirely on Asian markets.

As of November 2025, Mister Donut operates about 1,000 stores, with the vast majority located in Japan. The brand maintains a strong presence in high-traffic retail centers, train stations, and busy urban neighborhoods. Over the past five years, Mister Donut has prioritized store renovations and menu innovation rather than aggressive expansion. The company regularly introduces new products and limited-time collaborations with well-known franchises and chefs, keeping the concept fresh and drawing steady foot traffic.

While Mister Donut is not pursuing large-scale international growth, it continues to reinforce its leadership in Japan and select Asian markets such as Taiwan, the Philippines, and Thailand. Its steady approach, high brand recognition, and proven ability to attract a broad customer base make Mister Donut a reliable and attractive tenant for retail and transit-oriented developments. The parent company, Duskin Co., Ltd., is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, adding an additional layer of credibility and stability to the brand’s operations.