Shipley Do-Nuts continues rapid expansion

Shipley Do-Nuts is entering three new states.

The Houston-based maker of “do-nuts’ made fresh daily for more than 85 years continued its rapid expansion in 2022, opening 14 new locations and inking 11 multi-unit franchise deals that add a total of nearly 100 shops to its new store pipeline.

Shipley’s new development agreements will bring the brand to three new states — Maryland, Georgia and Virginia — and expand its footprint in Colorado, Florida and Texas. The first Maryland location opened early this year, and the first Georgia location is slated for a late first-quarter opening. Overall, the company is projecting double-unit growth this year over last.

“We will remember 2022 as a banner year for Shipley,” said Shipley Do-Nuts CEO Clifton Rutledge. We had a tremendous amount of interest in the brand from experienced, multi-unit operators who will accelerate our growth in new and existing markets. We've been working fast and furious to upgrade our offerings and guest experience as we introduce the Shipley magic to new generations and regions and continue to build upon this momentum in the new year."

Shipley is coming off a busy year during which, among other things, it updated its branding. The signature Shipley red is now accompanied by new "Do-Happy" branding, a play on the unique spelling of the company name and celebrating the taste of Shipley's made-fresh-daily “do-nuts.”

In addition, the company rolled out a new online ordering program systemwide, which resulted in an increase in ticket averages by nearly 20%. Also in 2022, Shipley tested a loyalty program in its corporate-owned Houston shops. The program attracted thousands of members signed up in weeks, the company said. It will be introduced systemwide in 2023.

Founded in 1936, Shipley Do-Nuts is a leading do-nut restaurant franchisor and manufacturer of specialty food products. The company franchises more than 330 restaurants to a diverse group of operators across 11 states.

Shipley is actively recruiting franchisees in all markets, with a focus on increasing its presence in Colorado, Oklahoma, Florida, and throughout the Southeast.