[UPDATE] Shipley Do-Nuts Delays Duluth Debut, Adds Another Outpost

In April, ToNeTo Atlanta was first to report on the planned expansion of Shipley Do-Nuts in metro Atlanta.  At the time the chain had secured development deals with two franchisees with plans to bring as many as 30 units to the greater metro Atlanta area in the coming years.  The first of the planned locations was to open "Q4" in Duluth.   

Strangely, despite a previously announced opening, the Duluth location looks about as it did earlier this year.  We reached out to both the landlord of the Duluth site - 4165 Pleasant Hill Road - and representatives from Shipley.  The landlord indicated that he performed some lease required work on the building, a freestanding former Taco Bell/Pizza Hut, and that the franchisees should start their work soon. A representative from Shipley who was not authorized to speak "on the record" indicated that both the Duluth location, and another in Cumming should open "by mid 2023."  

The Cumming location, which strangely is the only Atlanta area outpost currently listed as "coming soon" on the Shipley website, will be located at 3225 Keith Bridge Road.  Interestingly, unlike the Duluth outpost, the Cumming Shipley's will be located in the endcap of a three unit building that does provide a drive thru.  That said, local ToNeTo Atlanta readers tell us that the Shipley space has been several things over the years and is located next to a freestanding Dunkin' that provides, in their opinion, superior visibility and access.  Among the prior occupants of the endcap space are another doughnut shop, Donut Connection, and Roxy's Subs, Steaks and Shakes.  

The Duluth location is being opened by Dallas, Texas-based ARFD Foods, LLC, operated by Andrew Robertson and Franklin Diaz, who signed an agreement to open up to 25 Shipley Do-Nuts locations in Georgia.

Oziel Rodriguez, operating as Sweet Donuts Investments Inc., who has an agreement to open up to five Shipley Do-Nuts locations, is opening the Cumming location.   Rodriguez currently owns Coal Mountain Package Store and Palapas Bar and Grill in Cumming.

Where else would you like to see Shipley Do-Nuts open in metro Atlanta?  With Whataburger, Buc-ee's and soon Shipley's opening in Georgia, is it only a matter of time before we get Texas favorites like HEB and Kolache Factory?  Who do you think makes the best doughnut in metro Atlanta?

Please share your thoughts below.