Who is the ideal Shipley Donuts franchisee?

shipley products
We’re looking for existing franchise owners who are dedicated to operational excellence and committed to customer service and product quality.You should have an entrepreneurial spirit as well as sales, marketing, restaurant, and/or retail experience. Previous business ownership or quick service restaurant (QSR) experience is required. We’ve found that people with the following traits tend to make the best franchisees:
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You’re a people personWe’re looking for candidates who love people as much as we do. Our franchisees are customer focused, friendly, and involved in their community.
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You’re a leaderOur franchisees have strong leadership skills, setting an example and holding themselves accountable for the decisions they make. They are flexible, inclusive, and put honesty and integrity above all else.
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You’re drivenYou won’t succeed unless you’re passionate about what you do. Shipley franchisees have a strong work ethic and are motivated, energetic, and goal oriented.

How much does a Shipley franchise cost?

The donut franchise segment has some of the lowest start-up costs in the QSR industry, and Shipley Do-Nuts franchisees reap more financial rewards from their successful locations than they would likely see in many other QSR franchises.
ESTIMATED START-UP COSTS PER STORE:

$700K

AVERAGE INITIAL INVESTMENT(includes equipment, working capital, and initial local budget)

$40K

FRANCHISE FEE(add $10K per additional commitment if signing a multi-shop development agreement)

5%

ROYALTY FEE

< 4 year

PAYBACK

3%

AVERAGE INITIAL INVESTMENT(includes equipment, working capital, and initial local budget)
Front view of a Shipley Do-Nuts and Kolaches store with bright signage, large windows, and outdoor seating area—a testament to the brand's inviting atmosphere and efficient Do-Nut franchise cost that makes owning your sweet escape a feasible dream.Front view of a Shipley Do-Nuts and Kolaches store with bright signage, large windows, and outdoor seating area—a testament to the brand's inviting atmosphere and efficient Do-Nut franchise cost that makes owning your sweet escape a feasible dream.Front view of a Shipley Do-Nuts and Kolaches store with bright signage, large windows, and outdoor seating area—a testament to the brand's inviting atmosphere and efficient Do-Nut franchise cost that makes owning your sweet escape a feasible dream.

“I would definitely invest in Shipley all over again if I had to go back. I would just do it sooner than later.”

Aman DhukaMulti-Unit Franchise Owner
Angie Silva Multi-Unit Franchise Owner

It’s hard to stop at just one

Experienced QSR owners know a good thing when they see it. If you’re ready to grow your portfolio with an established brand that has wide appeal and is primed for growth, you’ve found it. Shipley Do-Nuts offers the quality and convenience that consumers are seeking in one delicious bite. We’re looking for franchise candidates with the ability to develop three or more stores to help us expand across the country. A multi-unit partnership with us offers:
Quicker GrowthWe’re looking for candidates who love people as much as we do. Our franchisees are customer focused, friendly, and involved in their community.
Shared ResourcesOur franchisees have strong leadership skills, setting an example and holding themselves accountable for the decisions they make. They are flexible, inclusive, and put honesty and integrity above all else.
Better Bottom LineYou won’t succeed unless you’re passionate about what you do. Shipley franchisees have a strong work ethic and are motivated, energetic, and goal oriented.
Shipley employee with rack full of original glazed donuts

Your path to franchise ownership

Follow these easy steps to join the Shipley family:
  • Initial Inquiry
    Submit an inquiry
  • Connect with Franchise Sales team
    Talk with a member of our franchise sales team to learn more about the brand and the franchise opportunity in your market(s) of interest
  • Candidate Due Diligence
    Review the FDD, Complete a franchise ownership application, and conduct an in-depth review of the market(s) of interest
  • Attend Discovery Day
    Visit our Houston Support Center to meet our leadership team, learn from our department leaders and visit a local Shipley Do-Nut shop
  • Franchise Awarded
    Sign a Multi-Shop Development Agreement and/or Franchise Agreement for your first location
  • Site selection, Construction, Training
    Work hand-in-hand with our full-service real estate, construction and new shop opening teams to go from signing your Franchise Agreement to opening your first shop
  • Grand Opening
    Coordinate with our local shop marketing team to create a grand opening plan to build community awareness as you open the doors of your first Shipley Do-Nuts shop

Let's get started

Where would you like to open your shops?
Do you have liquid assets of $225,000 or more to invest?
Do you have a total net worth of $750,000 or more?
Are you currently an owner of other franchises?
Have you owned and operated a business?
*Top 50% Performing Shops Average Net Sales (304 shops) – Average Net Sales. EBITDA (12 Company-owned shops). Information provided in 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) – Version Dated April 30, 2025© 2025 Shipley Do-Nuts. All Rights Reserved.