Shipley Do-Nuts, a Houston-based institution 86 years in the making, are going outside the box with a nationwide expansion.
Late last year, the doughnut chain celebrated its 85th anniversary by breaking ground on a grandiose new headquarters facility complete with a working drive-through. Recently, the doughnut franchise announced that it has even bolder plans in store.
Presently, the chain has 325 locations in 10 different states, including Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, Colorado, Mississippi, Florida, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Over the next five years, Shipley Do-Nuts plans to open 350 additional locations – effectively doubling their size. New markets on the horizon include Atlanta and Maryland with 25 locations in each.
Additionally, the doughnut chain has signed agreements to open 20 more installments in Texas.
Shipley was founded in 1936 in Houston, Texas by Lawrence Shipley Sr. and Lillie Shipley. Then named Shipley Cream Glazed Do-Nuts, their main product focus was serving hot, hand-cut donuts all day. In 2019, Lawrence Shipley III sold the company to a private Austin-based investor.
“’My grandfather, father, and I have dedicated our lives to serving Shipley Do-Nuts, our franchisees and our guests,” said Lawrence Shipley III in a press release. “After an exhaustive search, it became clear that Peak Rock Capital was the ideal steward of our business as it pursues the next stage of growth. My family is thrilled to continue as investors in the Company, and we look forward to the exciting growth to come.”
Here in Houston, the doughnut franchise plans to their new two-story headquarters building by the end of this year. The new building will replace their current headquarters on North Main Street, and feature a fully functional Shipley Do-Nuts shop, as well as an innovative drive-thru planned to run through the building so patrons can get a firsthand look into the doughnut-making process.
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