With the short-lived mochi donut wars in the rearview mirror, a new contest between more traditional, Southern-style donut chains has officially begun in Vienna.
The Texas-based franchise Shipley Donuts is now selling its signature hexagon-shaped pastries at 256 Maple Avenue East, filling a long-vacant storefront previously occupied by T-Mobile.
Officially opened next to Smoothie King on Monday (June 22), per Patch, the new shop is not to be confused with Texas Donuts, which opened across the street in December.
Started in Houston, Texas, in the 1940s by local baker Lawrence Shipley Sr., Shipley Donuts now claims to be “the nation’s largest brand of fresh, handmade-daily donuts and kolaches,” boasting more than 380 locations across 13 states.
However, the Vienna location is only the company’s second in Virginia, following in the footsteps of a franchise that opened in Lynchburg in early June 2025. Under new owner Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, which acquired the company from another private equity firm last year, Shipley added 13 stores last year and has set its sights on further national expansion this year, Franchising Times reported.
According to a spokesperson, Shipley is known for the unique hexagonal shape of its glazed donuts, which are hand-crafted by bakers who arrive at 3 a.m. every day so the first customers can get them hot. Savory kolaches are also a menu staple.
“Handmade and handheld, kolaches are available in several varieties, including Sausage & Cheese, Plain Sausage, Ham & Cheese and multiple Egg & Cheese-filled options,” the spokesperson said by email. “They’re similar to a fully enclosed breakfast biscuits with a Texas twist.”
Including a classic chocolate glazed donut, Vienna customers can choose from 40 different kinds of donuts, which come in iced, cake and cream- or jelly-filled options. Both donuts and kolaches can be bought individually or in a box.
The menu also features donut holes and specialty rolls, such as apple fritters, bear claws and glazed cinnamon or iced chocolate twists. Drink options include hot and iced coffee, which can be purchased to go in a 96-ounce box.
To celebrate the country’s upcoming 250th anniversary, Shipley is selling limited-time Fourth of July donuts with red, white and blue icing topped by “festive holiday sprinkles,” according to a press release. The patriotic treats will be available through July 5.
The Vienna shop is open daily from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
