If you haven't had a Shipley donut, you will in the next years. By 2027, CEO Steve Rutledge expects the Texas donut business
Rutledge told Franchise Times about the donut brand's expansion intentions. The network will add 350 outlets in the next five years
thanks to new franchise agreements, including one with HPL Capital, boosting its total to just under 700. What a dessert monster!
With 55 new stores in Georgia and Maryland and 25 in Dallas-Fort Worth, the Southeast will grow.
Shipley has locations in twelve states, mostly in Texas. Shipley will expand in Southeastern markets where it is currently underrepresented.
Shipley is opening new outlets and increasing its menu. The chain will test hot and iced coffee in Houston before rolling it nationwide.
"It's never been an emphasis in the past," Rutldege said of menu adjustments. "We're really excited about this."
Rutledge became Shipley's CEO in 2021, joining Hank Simpson, COO. The quick-service industry has
given Rutledge and Simpson years of experience. Rutledge worked at Bojangles and Whataburger before joining Shipley, and Simpson came after 18 years
Peak Rock Capital acquired Shipley last year, changing its executive staff. Before Rutledge and Simpson, Lawrence Shipley III, grandson of founder Lawrence Shipley Sr.