The 90-year-old Houston-born chain is expanding into Michigan and Indiana as part of a broader plan to add 30 locations across five states.
- Shipley Do-Nuts expands to Michigan and Indiana, marking its entry into the Midwest.
- 15 new locations planned for Metro Detroit and 3 in Indianapolis.
- 90th birthday celebrated with the launch of the Birthday Bullseye donut.
Shipley Do-Nuts is expanding its reach into the Midwest, with franchise agreements set to bring the Houston-founded brand to Michigan and Indiana for the first time. The development deals form part of a broader third-quarter push involving six multi-unit agreements for 30 locations across five states. The expansion comes as the company celebrates its 90th anniversary and builds on its longstanding reputation for freshly made donuts, kolaches, and coffee.
In Metro Detroit, a 15-unit agreement covers Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties, with the first location targeted for late in the first quarter of 2027. A separate agreement calls for three locations in Indianapolis. The new markets follow Shipley’s planned entry into Ohio through a three-unit agreement in Cincinnati, extending its Midwest presence beyond its established southern markets.
The remaining third-quarter development agreements cover additional locations in Atlanta, the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Rockwall and El Paso in Texas, and Indian River and St. Lucie counties in Florida. Together, the agreements reflect a geographically broad growth strategy that relies on franchise partners to introduce the brand to new communities. The announced unit counts represent planned development, with individual opening schedules dependent on site selection, construction, and local operating requirements.
Founded in Houston in 1936, Shipley has built its business around handmade daily donuts and kolaches, supported by a menu that includes coffee and other breakfast offerings. Its 90th-anniversary campaign brought limited-time promotions and a special Birthday Bullseye donut to customers. The company has also received industry recognition, including placement on the 2026 Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurants list, providing additional context for its position as it pursues expansion beyond Texas.
As franchise networks spread across more states, maintaining consistent procedures and training becomes increasingly important. The Knowledge Base feature available through Gorilla Dash can help operators organize reference materials and operational guidance for teams across locations. For Shipley, the next stage of growth will depend on how effectively its franchise partners secure sites, establish local operations, and deliver the familiar product experience that has sustained the brand for generations.
Key Facts:
| Midwest Expansion | Shipley Do-Nuts entered Michigan and Indiana markets for the first time, planning multiple locations. |
|---|---|
| Detroit Development | 15 new franchise locations are planned across Metro Detroit area including Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties. |
| Indiana Initiation | Three locations are being developed in Indianapolis, signaling Shipley's entry into Indiana. |
| 90th Anniversary | Shipley marks its 90th year with special donut promotions including the Birthday Bullseye. |
| National Recognition | Shipley receives accolades from Newsweek and QSR Magazine for its excellence in the bakery category. |
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