Texas based donut chain looks to expand into Fort Wayne

Shipley Do-Nuts on North Main in Houston is shown Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006, just a half block from the original store that began in the 1940’s. Since its creation 70 years ago, family-owned Shipley Do-nuts has grown from a small wholesaler to a chain of 200 stores in six southern states, which company officials like to call the doughnut belt. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Ben DeSoto)

by: Joe Carroll

Posted: Aug 23, 2023 / 11:08 AM EDT

Updated: Aug 23, 2023 / 11:08 AM EDT

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) A donut chain that first opened for business in Houston back in 1936 is looking to expand into the Midwest.

Shipley Do-Nuts currently operates more than 340 stores across 12 states and it’s offering an incentive for potential franchise owners.

“Opening up territories in the Midwest and offering incentives for potential new franchisees is part of our strategic growth plan to expand the brand nationwide, tackling one region at a time to build awareness and density before expanding further,” said Shipley Do-Nuts CEO Flynn Dekker.

Franchises are available in more than a dozen Indiana cities, including Fort Wayne.

Single-unit franchisees who open their shop within 14 months of executing their agreements will pay reduced royalties of 1% of gross receipts for a year. Multi-unit franchisees who open more than one shop within a specified time frame will get a reduction in royalties for a year and 50% off the franchise fee.

Shipley offers more than 60 varieties of donuts and kolaches along with coffee and other beverages.