Shipley Donuts Expands Its National Footprint in Q3, Deepening Its Push Into the Midwest

On the heels of an Ohio development agreement in Q2 2026, Shipley inked a franchise deal in July for 15 locations across Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties in Metro Detroit, with the first restaurant targeted for late Q1 2027. In Indiana, a partner signed for three locations in Indianapolis.

The quarter's remaining agreements will bring locations to Atlanta; Rockwall and El Paso, Texas; Dallas-Fort Worth; and Indian River and St. Lucie counties in Florida.

"Shipley started in Houston in 1936, and as we celebrate our 90th birthday and grow from a Texas Treasure into a national brand, we're still doing what made us famous: handcrafting fresh donuts, kolaches and coffee every day," said Flynn Dekker, CEO of Shipley Donuts. "With Shipley coming to new communities in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and beyond, our job is to bring the same fresh-made, delicious experience that generations have loved back home in Texas."

Shipley also gave guests plenty to celebrate in Q3 as it marked its 90th birthday in September. The 10-week birthday bash centered on the 1936 Box featuring the Birthday Bullseye, a handcrafted donut with colorful sprinkles mixed right in, topped with strawberry icing and even more sprinkles, plus classic flavors including Signature Glazed, Cherry Iced, Chocolate Iced and Bavarian Cream Filled donuts.

Newsweek named Shipley to its "Top Ten Bakery Chains" list in its Readers' Choice Awards, selected by expert panelists and contributors and voted on by readers. QSR Magazine also ranked Shipley No. 20 in the snack category among The Contenders on the QSR 50 and included the brand in its Best Franchise Deals listing.

Founded in 1936, Houston-based Shipley Donuts is the nation's largest brand of fresh, handmade daily donuts, kolaches and coffee, with more than 390 franchised and company-owned restaurants across 13 states, serving up its famous donuts, coffee and kolaches to generations of guests. In 2023, the Texas Historical Commission designated Shipley Donuts a Texas Treasure business. Shipley is ranked No.

134 on Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500® 2026 list and No. 1 in its category and is No. 142 on the Technomic 2026 Top 500.

For career changers and multi-unit owners, Shipley Donuts is the one donut franchise investment that's poised for fantastic growth. High-quality product and simple-to-run business model that drives a strong AUV.