2 new Shipley Do-Nuts shops kick off Austin-area expansion

One of the new locations. Photo courtesy of Shipley Do-Nuts

A doughnut shop with an already large Austin presence has gotten started on another significant expansion. Shipley Do-Nuts, a franchise that started in Houston and has spread across 12 states, has opened two of 15 planned new locations in the Austin area. The new shops are at 7714 SW Pkwy. in South Austin and 15101 Ronald Reagan Blvd. in Leander.

Although Shipley is getting big — with more than 370 locations so far — it has had a long time to work up to it. The company was founded in 1936, giving it plenty of time to build up a signature menu of more than 60 handmade daily doughnuts. A box of Shipley doughnuts is easily recognizable because they are cut into hexagons. There also filled, iced, and cake doughnuts, plus bear claws, kolaches, coffee, and more.

According to a press release a total of four of the planned 15 locations will open in 2025. The first two, mentioned above, are owned by franchisees David Howell, Richard Howell and Patrick Smith. In March franchisee Marc Cortez will open a new shop in Dripping Springs. That leaves one more in an unspecified location.

“Shipley is an iconic Texas brand that is growing fast, especially here in its home state,” said Howell in the release. “With Austin’s rapid growth and new residents coming in from across the nation, we look forward introducing Texas’ favorite doughnut to a wider audience as we expand throughout the area.”

These openings coincide with a limited time menu offering: Yays, named after the famous New Orleans fried dough, beignets. Shipley's version (starting at four for $2) come in a multiple sizes including minis and are made with yeast dough, with the obligatory powdered sugar. They are served warm at participating locations.

The new shops in South Austin and Leander are open daily from 5 am to 8 pm. Guests can also swing by the updated drive-thrus or order online at shipleydonuts.com for pickup or delivery.

donuts desserts openings

undefined Photo courtesy of RestauRent

Reducing climate change in your home city doesn't have to be a gargantuan effort; it can start by choosing a plant-based menu item at a favorite local eatery. A monthlong initiative in Austin called Eat for Impact aims to improve accessibility to plant-based foods at local businesses and restaurants — starting this April.

The program was created by nonprofit Planted Society in 2022, after founder and Austinite Britty Mann decided to expand her efforts to create a more sustainable food system through local means. To date, more than 600,000 individuals have participated in past initiatives to create more awareness for climate change in local communities.

Starting April 1, guests at participating restaurants can try "pro-climate" dishes that feature plant-based ingredients that will help reduce the city's overall "environmental footprint" for the month. Each restaurant will add two or more dishes to its menu.

Restaurants that will be participating in "Eat for Impact" include:

Bamboo Bistro
Four Brothers
Hillside Farmacy
Honey Moon Spirit Lounge
Komé
Madam Mam's
Mexta
Sa-Tén
TenTen
The Brewtorium
The Well
Uroko

"Being a restaurant that supports local farmers we have always been inspired by plant-based cuisine," said Hillside Farmacy owner Jade Place in a press release. "The Eat for Impact initiative is a great way for our team to get creative with seasonal produce and be able highlight those dishes on our menu."

Planted Society will also publish a comprehensive report at the end of April that details the impacts of greenhouse gas savings across all participants, including restaurant sales, plus additional food-related efforts from additional "Eat for Impact" partners including climate organizations, community events, and local businesses.

Since the initiative's conception, the nonprofit has worked with more than 330 restaurants and saved about 70,000 pounds of greenhouse gases and one million gallons of water on average. A release also says 13 prior "Eat for Impact" initiatives have each generated more than $76,000 on average in sales from plant-based restaurant specials.

"Austin is setting the standard for climate-forward food in the South, and Eat for Impact turns that vision into action," Mann said. "Now in its third year, the initiative is helping bring the bold new Austin-Travis County Food Plan to life, and we can’t wait to see the results of these collective efforts."

Additional events will be scheduled throughout the month, including a restaurant tour using public transport organized by mutual aid nonprofit Joon Community.

austin restaurants climate change nonprofit

More Do-Nuts

2 new Shipley Do-Nuts shops kick off major Austin-area expansion

More Do-Nuts

2 new Shipley Do-Nuts shops kick off major Austin-area expansion

Earth-Conscious Eating

12 Austin eateries add plant-based dishes for April climate initiative

Earth-Conscious Eating

12 Austin eateries add plant-based dishes for April climate initiative