Retail and Development

Hexagonal ‘do-nuts,’ Texas-style kolaches land in NC with brand’s new Concord location

A box of Shipley Do-Nuts’ glazed doughnuts.
A box of Shipley Do-Nuts’ glazed doughnuts.

Hot, hexagon-shaped doughnuts and Texas-style kolaches from Shipley Do-Nuts have finally landed in the Charlotte area — a development anticipated since 2023.

The Texas-based doughnut chain’s first North Carolina location is now open, situated in a busy section of north Concord, across Concord Parkway from the Carolina Mall shopping center.

The shop is locally owned by John and Lillian Brijeski, a married couple who plan to offer a “Hot Glazed Donut Guarantee” from 5-11 a.m. daily.

Texas-based Shipley Do-Nuts has expanded into North Carolina with a location in Concord.
Texas-based Shipley Do-Nuts has expanded into North Carolina with a location in Concord. Shipley Do-Nuts

“It’s a big responsibility to introduce a legacy brand to a new state, but we are confident Shipley’s variety of sweet and savory options will be a big hit throughout our community,” Lillian Brijeski said in a news release. “Whether it’s fresh, warm donuts or signature savory kolaches, we look forward to serving a menu that deliciously meets breakfast and snack-time needs.”

At Shipley Do-Nuts, customers will find more than 60 varieties doughnuts handmade daily, including its signature hexagon-shaped glazed doughnuts, bear claws and apple fritters, plus coffee and more. The brand is also known for its Texas-style kolaches, which are savory pastries filled with sausage or ham and cheese. (Note: These are not the same as traditional Czech kolaches — they’re a regional specialty.)

[WE TRIED THE APPLE FRITTERS: Watch our team try what KJ called ‘the best doughnut I’ve ever had in my life’.]

Shipley Do-Nuts sells Texas-style kolaches.
Shipley Do-Nuts sells Texas-style kolaches. Shipley Do-Nuts

Shipley’s expansion plans started out with an expectation for three Charlotte-area stores, but now five locations are in the works. The company founded in 1936 in Houston is also seeking franchisees for additional markets throughout North Carolina, including Raleigh-Durham, Greensboro and Winston-Salem.

In South Carolina, Shipley has opened stores in Spartanburg and Greenwood.

[WHAT ELSE IS HOT? The ultimate list of new restaurants, bars and cafes coming to Charlotte in 2025.]

“Our expansion into North Carolina is a strategic step in our brand’s growth, allowing us to bring our signature donuts to a new community while strengthening our national presence,” Shipley Do-Nuts CEO Flynn Dekker said in a news release.

“This opening officially brings our brand’s footprint to 13 states — a baker’s dozen — and we know John, Lillian and their team will be making life delicious for North Carolina residents who are experiencing Shipley for the first time.”

Shipley Do-Nuts

Location: 31 Optical Ct NW, Concord, NC 28025

Menu

Cuisine: Breakfast, doughnuts

Instagram: @shipleydonuts

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Heidi Finley
The Charlotte Observer
Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits. Support my work with a digital subscription
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