Shipley Do-Nuts targets Springfield market

A Houston, Texas-based doughnut chain is targeting the Springfield market as part of expansion plans in the Midwest.

Shipley Do-Nuts, which was founded in 1936 and has more than 340 restaurants in 12 states, is seeking franchisees in Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri and Ohio, according to a news release. The company currently does not have any locations in Missouri, with the closest to the Queen City being stores in Rogers and Harrison, Arkansas.

No locations have been announced for Springfield.

"Opening up territories in the Midwest and offering incentives for potential new franchisees is part of our strategic growth plan to expand the brand nationwide, tackling one region at a time to build awareness and density before expanding further,” Shipley Do-Nuts CEO Flynn Dekker said in the release, referring to an incentive program in which new franchisees may pay reduced royalties.

The company's growth plans call on Shipley Do-Nuts to nearly double in size over the next five years.

In addition to doughnuts, Shipley Do-Nuts sells kolaches, coffee, cake and other items, according to its website.