Shipley History
The original store in Houston, 1936
Shipley Do-Nuts in 1936, at 1417 Crocket Street in Houston. From left to right, Lawrence Shipley Sr., Lillie Shipley, Helen Shipley, Jimmy “Speedball” Williams, Bill Mueler, Joe “Decker” Rosleir, Sam Taylor
At the end of the Great Depression, in 1936, Lawrence Shipley, Sr. created a gourmet recipe for do-nuts that has withstood the test of time for more than eight decades. Cut by hand and served hot throughout the day, the do-nuts were five cents a dozen. With Lawrence Sr. away on do-nut routes, his wife Lillie would stay behind and make the culinary delights with Lawrence Jr. at her knee.
People would come from miles around to sample the nectar of the sumptuous hot-glazed do-nuts. Serving them hot was critical for Shipley, who said, “When they bite into that hot do-nut, it will bring them back every time.” And the lure of the hot do-nuts is what continues to lure generations of do-nut lovers back to Shipley’s as loyal customers.
Lawrence Jr. worked in the business all of his life, continuing his fathers vision and making Shipley Do-Nuts the successful business it is today. He expanded the company to more than 190 stores around the nation in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.
The Do-Nuts continue to delight customers of all ages, with more than 60 gourmet varieties that are made fresh daily. Although the plain glazed is by far the best seller, everyone seems to have their favorites.
Lake Travis store owned and operated by local residents
Shipley is a regional brand found mostly in Texas and neighboring states, but your new Shipley Do-Nuts in Bee Cave is owned and operated by local Lake Travis residents who have been in the community for a long time.
Shipley history: A family tradition
We remember fondly that our grandfather owned a Shipley store in Houston in 1972, and we have great memories of lazy weekend mornings eating piping-hot do-nuts at that location. Ever since, we’ve been eager to share those great recipes and the entire Shipley experience with the Lake Travis community. We want this to be “your” Shipley store and we want to hear from you. If you have any questions or suggestions, please reach out to us! We promise to treat you like family and to do everything we can to make you happy.
In 1972, our grandfather owned a Shipley Do-Nuts in Houston at the corner of Westheimer and Gessner.
