Shipley Do-Nuts is expanding its presence in the Denver and Colorado Springs markets in partnership with newly signed franchisee Meisternuts LLC. Utah-based Meisternuts has acquired the two existing Colorado locations in Aurora and Fountain and plans to open 16 additional new locations in an exclusive development deal for Colorado Springs and the greater Denver area.

“I grew up with Shipley — my parents grew up with Shipley, too — and we’ve always loved the do-nuts, so for starters, it’s a brand I know and believe in,” says Meisternuts chairman Corby Robertson III. “I’ve also been very impressed with the many initiatives and the strong financial results the current leadership has achieved in a relatively short time. This is an excellent opportunity to diversify our restaurant portfolio with an exciting brand that is growing fast.”

In the past year alone, Shipley Do-Nuts has adopted a new coffee program, launched online ordering with OLO and begun testing a new loyalty program. It also inked deals to enter multiple new markets, including Maryland, Virginia, Georgia and Orlando, Florida.

“With two locations already doing very well in Colorado, we’ve had our sights on expansion in the state for some time,” says Shipley Do-Nuts chief executive officer Clifton Rutledge. “Corby and 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.”