A Shipley Do-Nuts has just opened up in Searcy. The Shipley Company started in 1936 with Lawrence Shipley making doughnuts for wholesale; now the company has more than 250 stores across the South.
If you have been looking for a good doughnut place, I say search no further and head over to Shipley Do-Nuts. At 2714 E Race St. They offer 15 percent off for Harding students and service with a smile.
The atmosphere is pleasant; large windows make up the whole front of the building filling it with a soft light that makes you feel comfortable.
There is a hint of sugar and dough in the air and the place is clean, tidy and simple. Pay no mind to the hand-written restroom sign because their facilities are clean.
Only booths line the sides of the interior with fake wooden benches perfect for sliding right into.
The staff is ready and waiting to take your doughut order with a smile. It is best to get there a little earlier to have the best selection of doughnuts to choose from. Do not worry if you do go late; the doughnuts will still be warm, just picked over.
The prices are fair. The half dozen special seems like a great thing, but do not be fooled: it is just half of the price for a dozen. Although, with doughnuts costing just 70 cents each, to get the dozen or half-dozen is best if you want to share or just enjoy eating lots of doughnuts.
The doughnuts themselves were great. The dough or bread part of their doughnuts is very soft and airy. The doughnuts were moist and not too sweet. They have a nice balance.
The chocolate icing with nuts was a favorite of mine: not too sweet and a nice balance of flavors.
If you’re going for a filled doughnut Shipley provides a pretty good variety. The strawberry-filled doughnut was very good, but these doughnuts are quite full of fruit. The possibility of getting jelly on yourself is high, but take the risk if that is your flavor because they do deliver.
The delicacy of the house is the cream-filled doughnut. The cream is sweet, but it has a fluffy texture that makes it stand out among doughnuts. This doughnut is the reason I go to Shipley. If you want something sweet but do not care for a weighty jelly or pudding-type filling go for the cream-filled doughnut. There will be no regrets.
Are you not really into sweets for breakfast? Well have no fear: Shipley also offers some breakfast biscuits and kolaches (pastries). The kolaches are my personal favorite, especially the sort with a spicy kick to their flavor.
The jalapeño, sausage and cheese kolache has a kick and the breading is fluffy and delicious. If you do not care for spice, then plain cheese and sausage is offered.
One drawback to Shipley is the lack of a soda fountain, but they do offer many kinds of soft drinks in bottles.
Plain and chocolate milk is sold right along with energy drinks, so every craving can be satisfied. Coffee is served from the pot on the counter. If you like a sweeter touch, cappuccinos are also offered.
