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It started as a humble business that sold a dozen donuts for just five cents. Today, nearly 90 years later, Shipley Do-Nuts (better known simply as Shipley’s) has turned into a regional pastry powerhouse with more than 300 locations, 3,000 employees, and $164 million in annual revenue.
While those numbers may sound impressive, Shipley’s is just getting started. The Houston-based brand celebrated 24 store openings in 2024. Now, its leaders have their sights set on an ambitious goal: to open another 200 donut shops by the end of 2027.
Ryan Pullin, the company’s newly hired director of design and construction, will oversee the process. Pullin, who grew up learning various trades in a family of laborers and union members, has the right experience for the job. He graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in construction management and business administration before working his way up in various construction firms. In Pullin, Shipley’s saw a gifted leader with deep program and project management expertise. But Pullin’s most important job qualification may be his familiarity with the brand.
Pullin grew up near a Shipley’s and says their fresh donuts and warm kolaches were a staple during his morning trek to school. “There was always something special about a trip to Shipley’s,” he recalls. “The smell of pastries and the home kitchen vibe is etched in my memory.”
As he helps Shipley’s leaders achieve their growth goals, Pullin is excited to put his own twist on the donut shop he loved as a kid. When he arrived at the company in mid-2024, the company had opened eight new stores. The team completed 16 more by the end of the year.
One of Pullin’s first moves was to establish a formal expansion program with requirements and processes in place to ensure all new stores would open on time and on budget without sacrificing quality. “We are in a high-growth phase, so it was important for me to put the steps in place to create an efficient machine that we can optimize as we move forward,” he says.
And that’s what he’s done. Today, Pullin’s optimized master plan keeps all stakeholders informed and allows him to improve communication and collaboration with municipalities, franchisees, vendors, designers, partners, and others.
By applying his streamlined approach and using novel building techniques like panelized and factory-finished building packages from Fullerton Building Systems, Pullin’s team can erect a new Shipley’s in as fast as five days. While total size and building methods vary, most Shipley’s are around 1,400 square feet and exist in retail centers or other high-traffic commercial zones.
Although nearly doubling a 90-year-old company’s total store count in three years may sound ambitious, Pullin says the company’s strong relationship with its franchisees will help. “People are excited about this business and brand, and we’re excited about where we can go together,” Pullin says.
In fact, in February 2025, Shipley’s announced an agreement that will take it to new markets in New Mexico and South Florida. Those are the places where franchisee Vik Agrawal will bring 30 new shops. “Shipley is a strong brand that is gaining momentum as it enters new markets and people discover the greatness of the product—it’s simply the world’s greatest donut,” he told franchising.com.
In 2024, another Shipley’s partner from Virentes Partners Group signed a development agreement covering 22 new franchise locations. The firm’s managing members researched dozens of opportunities before selecting Shipley’s based on the organization’s combination of beloved products, strong leadership, and franchisee support.
“We are in a high-growth phase, so it was important for me to put the steps in place to create an efficient machine that we can optimize as we move forward,”
Ryan Pullin
Collaborating with multiunit, multibrand operators have been important to the success of Shipley’s growth strategy. “These veteran partners help us move quickly because they are not only experienced but also committed to the Shipley’s brand and the brand experience we want to provide,” Pullin says. He similarly looks to partner with established general contractors and design firms who can help him navigate the fast-paced and specialized world of retail construction.
Strong partnerships, which Pullin says are built with transparency and communication, ensure speed and create loyalty because both sides are invested in mutual success. While some long-time franchisees resist change, Pullin can serve as a bridge to connect legacy traditions with emerging tools and trends.
When Pullin walks into a new Shipley’s after celebrating a ribbon cutting, you might expect him to study operational flow or examine every finish. He’ll certainly get to those important tasks, but Pullin has his priorities. The first thing he does is get in line for hot and fresh donuts, just like he used to do as an elementary school student.
“There’s always excited and happy kids smiling in our stores, and I get to take part in creating that,” says Pullin. Some might say working for a brand one loves is the icing on the cake. For Pullin, it’s more like the sprinkles on a donut.
Excel is an employee-owned, full-service architecture and engineering firm in Fond du Lac, WI. When it comes to retail design, time is money and user experience is key. Our full-service approach is built to provide quick turnarounds and optimize every square foot of your space without sacrificing brand consistency or customer service. As a single source for design, we simplify the design process to ensure every aspect of your project gets the attention it deserves.
Halton Company is at the forefront of innovation and technology in the exhaust ventilation industry. Our patented Capture Jet design allows our ventilation hoods to operate with an impressive 30% lower airflow compared to competitors, delivering superior performance and substantial cost savings. Much like our work with Shipley Do-Nuts, this innovation enables our clients to often avoid the need for an additional make-up air unit, leading to significant savings in both capital and operational costs. Halton is proud of its partnership with Ryan and the entire Shipley Do-Nuts team. For more details, contact Danny Smalling or visit Halton.com.
