SHIPLEY DO-NUTS INKS DEAL TO OPEN FIRST VIRGINIA LOCATIONS

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Nov 16, 2022, 09:08 ET

Fast-growing, iconic Texas do-nut brand to bring three shops to the Old Dominion

HOUSTON, Nov. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Shipley Do-Nuts, makers of gourmet, made-fresh-daily do-nuts for more than 85 years, has signed a deal with Lexington, Virginia-based lawyer and businessman Jody Mask to open three Shipley locations in Virginia, a new state for the brand.

Mask, a Texas native who once served as dean of admissions for Southern Virginia University, grew up in Gilmer, Texas, and as a kid, visited Shipley with his dad each Saturday. After moving to the Lexington area with his family in 2020, he decided to bring his favorite do-nut tradition to his new home state.

Shipley Do-Nut Exterior (PRNewsfoto/Shipley Do-Nuts)

"Once you've had Shipley Do-Nuts, you'll throw rocks at other donut brands," Mask said with a laugh. "Not only is Shipley the best do-nut around, the company's executive leadership team is top-notch. I'm the maiden voyage for the brand in Virginia, and they are providing me with support on a whole different level of professionalism."

Mask is currently scouting potential sites in the Virginia Tech area as well as Roanoke, Salem, Lynchburg, Harrisonburg and Williamsburg/Stanton. He expects to open the first location within the next year to 18 months.

Shipley, which first started selling hot, fresh do-nuts in Houston in 1936, has experienced record-setting growth over the past year and is continuing to expand into new markets. Shipley will open its first Maryland location by year's end and its first Atlanta-area and Orlando-area shops in Q1 2023.

"The Eastern Seaboard is a big focus of our expansion plan to double the size of our company over the next five years," said Shipley Do-Nuts CEO Clifton Rutledge. "We're growing the brand authentically with franchisees like Jody, who grew up with Shipley and want to share the brand with their communities, and multi-unit, multi-brand franchisees who discover the brand while looking to expand and diversify their portfolios."

Shipley is actively recruiting franchisees in all markets, with a focus on increasing its presence in Colorado, Oklahoma and throughout the Southeast. For more information, visit ownashipleydonuts.com.

ABOUT SHIPLEY DO-NUTS

Founded in 1936, Houston-based Shipley Do-Nuts is a leading do-nut restaurant franchisor and manufacturer of specialty food products. Shipley franchises over 330 restaurants to a diverse group of operators across 10 states and has served its do-nuts, kolaches and beverages to generations of guests. Shipley is ranked No. 144 on Entrepreneur's 2022 Franchise 500 list, the highest in its category. For information on franchising, visit ownashipleydonuts.com.

Media Contact:
Ashley Lennington, SPM Communications
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214-379-7000

SOURCE Shipley Do-Nuts