Shipley Donuts Announces Franchise Expansion in Ohio with New Introduction of Fresh Donuts and Kolaches
In an exciting move for donut lovers across Ohio, Shipley Donuts, renowned as the nation's largest brand dedicated to fresh and handmade donuts, has recently signed a significant three-unit franchise agreement that will mark its debut in the Buckeye State. This deal is set to bring Shipley's signature offerings to Cincinnati, with the first location anticipated to open in the first quarter of 2027.
This expansion is facilitated by the entrepreneurial Koelache Co. LLC, a franchise group led by Don and Kat Koetting from Houston, supported by Don's parents, Fred and Lisa Koetting. Building a local connection is integral to their plan as Don Koetting's family has deep roots in the area—his father and grandfather were raised in nearby Bellevue, Kentucky. The Koetting family aims to bring a unique touch to Ohio's culinary landscape with Shipley's beloved donuts and Kolaches.
Established in Texas in 1936, Shipley Donuts has earned a stellar reputation for its hot glazed donuts and an impressive array of flavors such as filled, iced, and cake varieties. However, their kolaches—a delightful Texas-sized version of Czech pastries—are a standout item. These pastries are perfectly crafted to envelop savory fillings, including meat, cheese, and eggs, rolled up in soft dough, making them a delectable choice for breakfast, lunch, or snacks. Varieties garnering attraction include Bacon, Egg & Cheese and Sausage, Egg & Cheese with Jalapeno, among others.
The entry into Ohio stands as a strategic move for the 90-year-old brand, with CEO Flynn Dekker expressing enthusiasm about the partnership with the Koettin family. He remarked, "The Ohio market is a new frontier for our 90-year-old brand, and the Koetting family is the right team to introduce our fresh, handmade-daily donuts and kolaches to the Buckeye State. They are exactly the kind of franchise partner we want, with a genuine connection to our products, strong financial acumen, and experience with franchise systems."
Don Koetting brings a wealth of experience in commercial banking and has previously held CFO roles in franchises such as Papa Johns and Burger King. His wife, Kathryn, who serves as co-franchisee, holds a law degree from Tulane and works as an associate general counsel at a public cold-storage and food logistics company. Their backgrounds position them well to successfully launch and manage the new franchises.
The Koettings are confident that Ohioans will swiftly embrace Shipley’s distinctive menu items. Don Koetting shared, "Shipley's donuts and kolaches are unlike anything in the Cincinnati market, and we believe Ohio will quickly fall in love with the brand. Bringing Shipley to a region my family called home for generations is deeply personal, and we look forward to introducing the brand's fresh-made favorites to the Ohio River Valley."
As part of its growth strategy, Shipley Donuts is actively seeking new franchisees in various regions including the South, Southeast, and Midwest. For those interested in being part of America's fastest-growing donut and kolache brand, details about franchise opportunities can be found at ownashipleydonuts.com.
With over 390 locations across 13 states, Shipley Donuts continues to cement its status as a beloved name in the delicious world of donuts and Kolaches, consistently ranking highly in franchise success categories and appealing to daily customers with its legend of fresh pastries and coffee. Follow Shipley Donuts on social media, and indulge further by joining their exclusive rewards program at shipleydonuts.com/rewards for offers like free donuts and discounted coffee.