Restaurant News: Guthrie’s, Qdoba and Shipley Donuts

* Guthrie’s (Auburn, Ala.), which was founded in 1965 and describes itself as “the original chicken-finger restaurant,” will soon open its first locale in Colorado. Slated to open July 14 in Colorado Springs, the chain’s newest representative will be run the third-generation members of the company’s founding family. In total, Guthrie’s operates 70-plus locations in more than a dozen states.

* Qdoba Mexican Eats (San Diego) said it has signed two new development agreements to open 30 new restaurants in Atlanta and 20 more in Nashville. It also has other deals bringing its current development pipeline to 100-plus units. Overall, the fast-casual Mexican concept currently has 865 locations in 46 U.S. states, Canada, Puerto Rico, Japan and South Korea.

* Shipley Donuts (Houston) has unveiled the signing of the first nonprofit franchise agreement in its history. The deal involves the SouthFair Community Development Corp., a South Dallas-based nonprofit that will serve as landlord, tenant and franchisee for the shop. The group plans to open that locale by the end of 2026 in the new Malcolm’s Point Retail Project. Founded 90 years ago, Shipley has 390-plus franchised and company-owned restaurants across 13 states, serving donuts, coffee and kolache.