From Windows to smartphones, disco to dubstep and everything in between, a lot can change in 20 years; but for Donut King franchise partners David and Julie Murray, located in Griffith, NSW, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

The couple are celebrating their platinum anniversary as Donut King franchise partners, using the occasion to reflect on a successful franchising ‘marriage’ that has spanned two decades and 1.4 million cinnamon donuts—enough to feed the population of Griffith 71 times over.

“Like any relationship, it has taken dedication, compromise and passion to reach our platinum anniversary,” David said.

“It’s not always easy, but if both parties are supportive of one another then it can make for a wonderful relationship, and we couldn’t be happier that we chose Donut King all those years ago for what has been an amazing journey so far.”

In 1997, David and Julie made the brave decision to sell their rice farm and open a Donut King in the new Griffin Plaza Shopping Centre, in the small town of Griffith, six hours west of Sydney.

“It was a hard decision to make at the time, and we did a lot of research into different franchising businesses before deciding that Donut King could offer us the lifestyle we were looking for,” Julie said.

“We’ve since tried a number of different franchise ventures, but the open and honest communication we have with the Donut King brand, as well as the ongoing support we have received from them throughout the years, have been the deciding factors that kept us with them this long.”

This positive working relationship with the brand led David and Julie to open their second Donut King store in the area, Donut King Griffith Central, which will be celebrating its 10-year anniversary in October—another significant milestone for the Murrays.

“We’re very involved in both our businesses; our family and our community have grown up with the Donut King brand. Our children have worked in both our stores during university breaks and we have supported the Griffith community with sports team sponsorships and initiatives to help drive blood donations at our local hospital,” David said.

Donut King general manager Nic Brill was full of praise for David and Julie for reaching this impressive milestone.

“We are extremely proud and appreciative of David and Julie’s dedication and hard work over the past 20 years. They are exemplary franchise partners and we look forward to many more years of success together,” he said.