Shipley Donuts signs 3-unit franchise deal in Ohio

Shipley Donuts, a Houston-based doughnut chain, is advancing its expansion efforts with a new three-unit franchise agreement in Ohio, marking its entry into this state. The agreement is with Koelache Co. LLC, led by Don and Kat Koetting, who bring extensive experience from the banking and legal sectors within the food and beverage industry. The first Shipley Donuts location in Ohio is projected to open in the first quarter of 2027, followed by the remaining two stores by 2029.

Currently, Shipley Donuts operates over 390 franchised and company-owned outlets across 13 states, indicating a robust system and willingness to expand further. In its recent first-quarter 2026 business update, the brand expressed ambitions to open an additional 25 locations by the end of the year and is actively looking for franchise partners in the South, Southeast, and Midwest regions. This ambitious growth plan underscores the brand's continued momentum and operational health, suggesting a favorable environment for potential franchisees entering the system.

This expansion initiative not only illustrates Shipley Donuts' strategy to broaden its geographic footprint but also signals confidence in the overall franchise market, particularly within the doughnut segment. The experience of the Koetting team could play a vital role in successfully launching and stabilizing these new units.

As Shipley Donuts continues its growth trajectory, an important factor to monitor will be its ability to maintain this expansion pace through 2026, which may depend on how effectively it activates new franchise relationships and manages its operational rollout in Ohio and other targeted markets.