Shipley Do-Nuts, which operates over 300 locations across the southern United States, will expand its footprint in the Sunshine State with its first location in Orlando and Central Florida.
The new business is projected to open at 5919 S. Orange Blossom Trail during the fourth quarter of this year, according to a press release from the company.
The franchise will be managed by MLD Hospitality, which is led by former Orlando resident Michael Burns, who was introduced to the brand when he moved to Houston four years ago.
According to the release, Burns is relocating back to Orlando this summer to manage the growth of the brand, which currently operates four other locations in Florida in Bradenton, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee.
In addition to the planned Orlando locations, the company currently has a multi-unit development deal to open three Shipley Do-Nuts in the Tampa Bay area. In total, Shipley has agreements in place to open more than 350 new locations in Florida, Maryland, Georgia, Tennessee, Colorado and Texas over the next five years.
“Florida has been an area of focus for us, and we really got the ball rolling with this latest signing in Orlando,” said Shipley Do-Nuts CEO Clifton Rutledge.
The company says it is actively recruiting franchisees in all markets, with a focus on increasing its presence in Colorado, Oklahoma and the southeast.