Shipley Do-Nuts, the iconic Houston-based chain known for its fresh, handmade donuts and kolaches, has appointed Bill Leibengood as its new chief marketing officer. With over 25 years of experience in restaurant marketing and operations, Leibengood joins amid the brand’s aggressive national expansion, which saw a record 35 new locations open in 2025 and the chain now operating more than 385 units across 13 states.
Leadership Move Signals Focus on Brand Growth and Innovation
Shipley Do-Nuts continues to bolster its executive team to support its rapid expansion trajectory. The appointment of Bill Leibengood as chief marketing officer comes as the brand positions itself for further nationwide growth, emphasizing creative storytelling, data-driven strategies, and enhanced guest engagement.
Leibengood brings extensive expertise from prominent restaurant chains. Most recently, he served as chief marketing officer at Houlihan’s Restaurants, where he later transitioned into the chief operating officer role. His career also includes senior marketing positions at Wingstop Restaurants and Applebee’s, giving him a deep understanding of branding, advertising, and operational alignment in the quick-service and casual dining sectors.
In his new role, Leibengood is expected to play a pivotal part in elevating Shipley’s brand presence. CEO Flynn Dekker highlighted Leibengood’s potential impact, noting his deep marketing expertise will drive fresh, creative initiatives to strengthen the company’s storytelling.
Leibengood expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, stating that disciplined marketing will be crucial as the brand scales. His priorities include building stronger marketing capabilities, refining data-driven approaches, and ensuring the brand connects effectively with customers across channels. He aims to solidify Shipley’s reputation as the leading destination for donuts and kolaches in the U.S.
Current Brand Momentum
The timing of this appointment aligns with strong performance metrics for Shipley Do-Nuts. The chain, founded in 1936, has established itself as the largest independent donut and kolache brand in the country, with a focus on fresh, daily-made products.
Key recent achievements include:
Opening a record 35 new shops in 2025, expanding into markets such as North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.
Maintaining a footprint of over 385 company-owned and franchised locations spanning 13 states.
Consistent positive sales growth, supported by loyal multi-generational customers and ongoing franchise development.
Shipley continues to attract franchise interest in the South, Southeast, and Midwest regions, with opportunities for operators to join the network.
This leadership addition underscores Shipley’s commitment to blending its nearly 90-year heritage with modern marketing strategies to fuel sustained expansion and customer loyalty in a competitive quick-service landscape.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, financial tips, or endorsements. All information presented is based on publicly available reports and company statements.
