Shipley Donuts Ranked Top Donut Franchise on 2026 Entrepreneur Franchise 500®

With more than 385 company-owned and franchised locations across 13 states throughout the Southern United States, Houston-based Shipley Donuts serves fresh, hot glazed donuts, kolaches and coffee in Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Virginia.

Shipley's signature plain glazed donut, cut into its iconic hexagon shape and carefully glazed to perfection, remains the brand's No. 1 seller. The brand offers more than 40 varieties of fresh, handmade donuts, including glazed, iced and cake donuts, plus fritters, bear claws, donut holes, twists and rolls. Shipley also specializes in kolaches, Texas-favorite savory breakfast pastries with meat and cheese fillings baked inside.

“Earning the top spot in the donut category for the fifth consecutive year is a testament to a brand that has stood the test of time,” said Flynn Dekker, CEO of Shipley Donuts. “This ranking reflects our commitment to Shipley’s rich history of serving up fresh-made daily donuts and kolaches while building a modern, scalable franchise system that is primed for growth in 2026.”

In Entrepreneur's continuing effort to understand and evaluate the ever-changing franchise marketplace, the 47-year-old ranking formula continues to evolve. Each franchise is thoroughly evaluated and given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength and financial strength and stability.

“For 47 years, the Franchise 500 has been the gold standard for identifying franchise excellence. This year's ranking proves that the best brands don’t just survive changing markets; they thrive in them,” said Entrepreneur Editor in Chief Jason Feifer. “These 500 companies represent some of the most reliable pathways to business ownership in America, each one vetted through our rigorous analysis of what actually drives franchisee success.”

The brand is currently experiencing robust growth, having opened a record 35 new shops in 2025, including locations in two new states, North Carolina and Virginia, plus shops in Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida and Georgia.

Franchise opportunities are available throughout the South, Southeast and Midwest for qualified operators seeking to join America’s fastest-growing donut and kolache brand. Additional information is available at ownashipleydonuts.com.

To view Shipley Donuts among the full presentation of the world’s first and most comprehensive franchise ranking, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January/February 2026 issue of Entrepreneur.

Founded in 1936, Houston-based Shipley Donuts is the nation’s largest brand of handmade fresh daily donuts and kolaches, with more than 385 company-owned and franchised restaurants across 13 states, serving up its famous donuts, coffee and kolaches to generations of guests. Shipley is ranked No. 134 on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500® 2026 list and No.

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.