With approximately 340 stores across the US, Shipley Do-Nuts is also set to expand across Oklahoma and Florida this year | Photo credit: Shipley Do-Nuts

Shipley Do-Nuts has signed an agreement with quick-service franchise group Meisternuts LLC to open 16 stores across Colorado. 
 

The Texan bakery café chain said Meisternuts has acquired its two existing Colorado outlets and will open 16 additional stores across Colorado Springs and the greater Denver area. 

Founded in 1936, Shipley Do-Nuts is currently seeking to expand across select southern states as part of a wider company goal of operating more than 600 stores nationwide by 2027. 

With approximately 340 stores across the US, Shipley Do-Nuts is also set to expand across Oklahoma and Florida this year and debut in Georgia, Maryland and Virginia over the next 12 months. 

“With two locations already doing very well in Colorado, we've had our sights on expansion in the state for some time. The Meisternuts team are not only experienced, multi-unit, multi-brand franchisees, they also know Shipley well and have a great track record as operators who know how to grow a brand,” said Clifton Rutledge, CEO, Shipley Do-Nuts. 

Utah-based Meisternuts also operates 42 Five Guys and 13 Zaxby's restaurants across Idaho, Massachusetts, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. 

World Coffee Portal research forecasts the total branded US coffee shop market will exceed 41,900 outlets by 2027, led by coffee-focused chains. 

The food-focused segment, led by Panera Bread with more than 2,170 stores, currently accounts for 18% of the total market.