Shipley Do-Nuts Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Shipley Do-Nuts is a franchise offering a variety of freshly made donuts, kolaches, and coffee, known for its delicious baked goods and friendly service.

Shipley Do-Nuts, established in 1936 by Lawrence Shipley in Houston, Texas, started as a home-based venture where its first donuts were crafted using a distinctive recipe. These hand-made donuts quickly gained popularity, laying the foundation for the brand’s legacy.

Still headquartered in Houston, Shipley Do-Nuts is widely recognized for its freshly prepared donuts and kolaches, baked daily to maintain quality and flavor. The introduction of franchising in 1987 spurred its growth to over 340 locations across the United States.

The franchise distinguishes itself through its dedication to freshness and its diverse range of classic and specialty donuts. The signature kolaches, inspired by the brand's Texas roots, add a unique local touch.

Shipley Do-Nuts continues its expansion, inviting franchise partners across the country. The company emphasizes consistency and quality, providing franchisees with comprehensive training and ongoing support to uphold its established standards.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $40,000
Travel and Living Expenses While Training $1,000 - $10,000
Lease Deposits/Payments $8,400 - $20,000
Equipment, Furnishings, Technology and Computer Systems, including POS System $133,952 - $230,532
Leasehold Improvements $218,887 - $510,692
Signage $15,329 - $64,920
Opening Inventory – Food Items $20,000 - $30,000
Opening Inventory – Non-Food Items $1,500 - $3,000
Grand Opening Advertising Campaign $20,000
Utility and Other Security Deposits $2,500 - $5,500
Insurance $1,000 - $2,000
Architectural/Legal $14,893 - $44,802
Business Licenses/Permits $1,000 - $3,500
Additional Funds/Working Capital - 3 Months $25,000 - $40,000
Total $503,461 - $1,024,946
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $40,000
Travel and Living Expenses While Training $1,000 - $10,000
Lease Deposits/Payments $8,400 - $20,000
Equipment, Furnishings, Technology and Computer Systems, including POS System $133,952 - $230,532
Leasehold Improvements $218,887 - $510,692
Signage $15,329 - $64,920
Opening Inventory – Food Items $20,000 - $30,000
Opening Inventory – Non-Food Items $1,500 - $3,000
Grand Opening Advertising Campaign $20,000
Utility and Other Security Deposits $2,500 - $5,500
Insurance $1,000 - $2,000
Architectural/Legal $14,893 - $44,802
Business Licenses/Permits $1,000 - $3,500
Additional Funds/Working Capital - 3 Months $25,000 - $40,000
Total $503,461 - $1,024,946

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

The training provided by the Shipley Do-Nuts franchisor includes a structured program aimed at preparing franchisees for successful operation. This training is divided into the following components:

  1. Initial Training Program: The Operating Principal of the franchise must complete the Initial Training Program at least three months prior to the shop's opening. This training ensures that the franchisee is well-versed in the operation's standards and procedures. The franchisor may also require one or more managers to participate in this program.
  2. On-Site Opening Training: For the franchisee's first shop, the franchisor provides on-site training representatives for 5 to 15 days during the shop's initial setup phase.
  3. Ongoing Training: The franchisor may develop and require attendance at additional training programs over time. The duration, curriculum, and location of these sessions are determined by the franchisor, and the franchisee must bear the associated costs.

Territory Protection

Shipley Do-Nuts does not guarantee exclusive territory protection to its franchisees. The franchise agreement explicitly states that franchisees may face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or alternative distribution channels operated or authorized by the franchisor.

This means that even within a designated geographical area, the franchisor retains the right to establish competing outlets or sell through other channels. Furthermore, Shipley Do-Nuts franchisees do not receive marketing exclusivity within their territories.

While the agreement provides the right to operate at a specified shop location, it does not include provisions for compensating franchisees if the franchisor or its affiliates introduce competitive businesses in the area. This arrangement allows the franchisor significant flexibility in its operations, even within the franchisee's region.

Competitors

Below are some of

Shipley Do-Nuts

key competitors in the

Baked Goods

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
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Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

355

New
+
9%
9%

$40,000

$503,000

$1,025,000

n.a.

$849,000

$xxx,xxx

73.0%

xx%

n.a.

11.5%

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

American Kolache

American Kolache is a fast-casual bakery franchise offering Texas-style kolaches, savory pastries, and breakfast items, serving early-morning customers and families, and known for handheld convenience, hot-fresh items, and strong regional roots.

Franchisees

?

5
+
400%
400%
Investment

?

$233,000 - $371,000

Manhattan Bagel

Manhattan Bagel is a café and bakery franchise offering bagels, breakfast sandwiches, coffee, deli items, and baked goods, serving morning and daytime patrons, and known for authentic bagels, café atmosphere, and consistent franchise support.

Franchisees

?

68
+
10%
10%
Investment

?

$582,000 - $1,094,000

The Bagel Nook

The Bagel Nook is a café franchise offering fresh-baked bagels, breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and deli items, serving morning commuters and neighborhood patrons, and known for handcrafted goods, local feel, and café ambiance.

Franchisees

?

3
+
200%
200%
Investment

?

$603,000 - $1,165,000

D.P. Dough

D.P. Dough is a late-night restaurant franchise offering overstuffed calzones with dozens of fillings, serving college students and young adults, and known for delivery-focused operations, fun campus culture, and signature made-to-order dough.

Franchisees

?

49
+
-2%
-2%
Investment

?

$121,000 - $360,000

Aunt Millies Bakeries

Aunt Millies Bakeries produces a variety of fresh bread and bakery products, offering high-quality and delicious baked goods for customers to enjoy.

Franchisees

?

154
+
-7%
-7%
Investment

?

$37,000 - $186,000

The Pretzel Twister

The Pretzel Twister serves freshly baked pretzels with a variety of flavors and dips, offering a delicious and satisfying snack option.

Franchisees

?

24
+
-14%
-14%
Investment

?

$122,000 - $339,000