News Summary
Shipley Do-Nuts has unveiled plans to expand into the Shreveport-Bossier area, with five franchise locations set to open by 2029. The first store is expected to start operations in late 2026, marking Shipley’s debut in Northwest Louisiana. Franchisees Steve Watkins and Walter Bigby, known for their Zaxby’s and Jersey Mike’s locations, are leading this expansion. The new shops will introduce over 60 varieties of donuts, enhancing the local culinary scene and creating job opportunities in the region.
Shreveport-Bossier Area to Welcome Shipley Do-Nuts Expansion
Shipley Do-Nuts has announced an exciting expansion plan to open five franchise locations in the Shreveport-Bossier area by the year 2029. This move marks the first time the popular donut chain will have franchises in Northwest Louisiana, starting with the first shop expected to open in late 2026.
The expansion is spearheaded by local franchisees Steve Watkins and Walter Bigby, who are already familiar faces in the region, operating five Zaxby franchises and two Jersey Mike’s locations. The new Shipley Do-Nuts shops will not only add variety to the local culinary scene but also provide residents with access to over 60 varieties of fresh, handmade donuts available daily.
Location Details
The initial Shipley Do-Nuts location will be situated in the 800 block of Benton Road in Bossier City, conveniently located adjacent to a Zaxby’s. Following this, four additional shops are planned to open in Shreveport and surrounding areas within three years. Future locations are also set to be established between Marshall, Texas, and Minden, Louisiana.
Menu Highlights
Shipley Do-Nuts is well-known for its wide range of delectable offerings. The menu includes popular items such as signature plain glazed donuts, filled donuts, iced donuts, cake donuts, bear claws, and kolaches. The donut chain has built a strong reputation for its quality, making it a favored choice among donut lovers.
Company Background and Growth Strategy
Founded in 1936 in Houston, Texas, Shipley Do-Nuts has grown significantly over the years, now operating 388 locations across 14 states, with Texas boasting the largest concentration of stores. The brand is currently experiencing a surge in growth, with over 200 locations in development and a goal to expand into key markets. Recent performance data shows that Shipley Do-Nuts has achieved 18 consecutive quarters of same-store sales increases, largely driven by the company’s focus on digital sales and a successful customer loyalty program.
As part of their competitive strategy, Watkins and Bigby acknowledge existing competition from brands like Dunkin’ Donuts and Southern Maid. However, they remain confident in Shipley Do-Nuts’ unique offerings and extended operating hours, which are from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., providing ample opportunity for customers to enjoy their products at various times throughout the day.
Support for Franchisees
The partnership for this expansion benefits from the established operational support provided by Shipley Do-Nuts, allowing franchisees to concentrate on effective store management rather than navigating operational challenges alone. This support is expected to enhance the efficiency and performance of the new locations, ensuring that customers receive the quality and service they expect from the brand.
With this upcoming expansion into the Shreveport-Bossier area, Shipley Do-Nuts not only aims to increase its presence in Louisiana but also to create more jobs and contribute positively to the local economy. As the first of five planned locations prepares to open, the anticipation among residents for a taste of Shipley’s fresh donuts is sure to grow.
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Additional Resources
- KSLA News: Shipley Do-Nuts Expanding
- Wikipedia: Shipley Do-Nuts
- KTBS: Shipley Do-Nuts Opening
- Google Search: Shipley Do-Nuts Expansion 2025
- KTAL News: Shipley Do-Nuts Expansion in Louisiana
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Doughnut
- Shreveport Times: Shipley Do-Nuts Announcement
- Google News: Shipley Do-Nuts
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
