HOUSTON — Shipley Donuts, the nation’s largest brand of handmade fresh daily donuts and kolaches, has signed a franchise development agreement to open five shops in the Shreveport-Bossier City area, marking the brand’s debut in Northwest Louisiana.
The expansion agreement with BC Restaurant Holding LLC, led by local residents Steve Watkins and Walter Bigby, calls for the first location to open in late 2026, followed by four additional shops over the next three years. Watkins and Bigby bring more than a decade of multi-unit, multi-brand franchise experience, currently operating five Zaxby’s and two Jersey Mike’s locations in the Shreveport-Bossier market, with another Jersey Mike’s in development.
“This agreement to bring Shipley into Northwest Louisiana represents another example of Shipley’s focus on strategic expansion in the brand’s record growth trajectory,” said Keith Sizemore, senior vice president of franchise development for Shipley. “Steve and Walter’s deep market knowledge and proven operational excellence make them ideal partners to introduce our handcrafted donuts and kolaches to this vibrant market.”
Founded in 1936 in Houston, Shipley offers more than 60 varieties of fresh donuts, including its signature plain glazed in the iconic Shipley hexagon shape, plus filled, iced and cake donuts, bear claws, kolaches, coffee and more. The brand currently operates seven locations in central and south Louisiana, with opportunities for further expansion across the state.
Watkins, who has more than 45 years of food industry experience and served as president of the Louisiana Restaurant Association in 1994, said the brand’s strong performance and leadership vision drew them to the deal.
“We were specifically looking for an iconic, growing donut franchise, and Shipley’s average unit volume growth, particularly with new store openings, really impressed us,” said Watkins. “The brand’s leadership is focused on smart, strategic growth, which aligns perfectly with our business philosophy.”
Shipley has more than 200 locations in development and is on pace to open more than 40 new stores by the end of 2025. For franchising information, visit www.ownashipleydonuts.com.