Operational Expertise Takes Center Stage (Image Credits: Foodbusinessnews.net)
Houston — Shipley Do-Nuts strengthened its senior leadership team with three strategic hires as the iconic chain approaches its 400th location.[1][2]
Operational Expertise Takes Center Stage
Matt Kafka joined Shipley as chief operating officer, bringing nearly 30 years of restaurant operations experience. He most recently served as senior vice president and interim COO at Smoothie King, where he managed franchise and corporate operations across roughly 1,250 stores. Earlier in his career, Kafka held key operations roles at Jamba Juice.[1]
His appointment aims to elevate operational excellence and support franchisee partnerships during a period of rapid scaling. Shipley officials highlighted Kafka’s track record in multi-unit management as a perfect fit for the company’s ambitions.[3]
Promotion Highlights Internal Growth
Todd Brin advanced to chief development officer, a step up from his role as vice president of design and construction, which he assumed upon joining Shipley in 2025. Brin offers more than 30 years in unit development, operations, and strategic planning. He spent 22 years at Wingstop, contributing to its expansion from 85 to 2,500 units worldwide.[2]
In his new position, Brin will direct franchise sales, development, construction, design, and real estate efforts. The promotion underscores Shipley’s confidence in proven internal talent to streamline processes and cut costs while speeding up new unit openings.[1]
Financial Leadership with Deep Roots
John Feray stepped in as chief financial officer, armed with over 30 years in finance, accounting, operations, and strategy. His latest role was CFO at GSM Outdoors, preceded by financial leadership positions at Dollar General Corporation and RadioShack. Feray also maintains a personal tie to the brand as a lifelong customer from childhood visits to a Shipley shop in Bellaire, Texas.[1]
Feray’s focus will center on enhancing franchise economics and bolstering margins. Company leaders praised his blend of professional expertise and brand affinity.[2]
Expansion Momentum Builds
Founded in 1936, Shipley operates more than 390 franchised and company-owned restaurants across 13 states, primarily in the South, Southeast, and Midwest. The chain specializes in fresh, handmade donuts and kolaches, holding the No. 1 spot in its category on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 for five straight years and ranking No. 147 on the Technomic 2025 Top 500.[1]
Recent achievements include a record 35 new shops in 2025 and multi-unit development agreements. Highlights encompass the debut location in Las Vegas, the chain’s westernmost outpost, plus growth in markets like New Orleans, Atlanta, and Dallas-Fort Worth. These moves follow the late 2025 addition of chief marketing officer Bill Leibengood and come as Shipley enters its 90th year under owner Levine Leichtman Capital Partners.[2]
- Nearly 400 locations targeted soon.
- Franchise opportunities in high-growth regions.
- Streamlined development to support nationwide push.
“Each of these leaders brings a depth of experience that positions Shipley for our next stage of growth,” said Flynn Dekker, CEO of Shipley Do-Nuts. “From John’s experience and lifelong connection to the brand to the franchise leadership and multi-unit growth expertise that Matt and Todd bring, this expanded team will help us build on 90 years of tradition while accelerating the next chapter of this iconic brand.”[1]
Key Takeaways
- Shipley filled COO, CDO, and CFO roles with executives boasting 30+ years each in their fields.
- The hires support a surge toward 400 stores and new markets like Las Vegas.
- Internal promotion of Todd Brin reflects strong talent retention.
These appointments signal Shipley Do-Nuts’ readiness to sustain its trajectory as America’s leading donut and kolache franchise. What do you think of these leadership changes? Share your thoughts in the comments.
