Krispy Kreme. – HJBC/Adobe Stock
Krispy Kreme Inc., creator of the famed hot-off-the-line glazed donut, announced Oct. 13 a franchise development agreement with Original Entrepreneurs LLC to open 33 Krispy Kreme shops across the New York metro area over the next five years, expanding the brand’s presence in one of the country’s largest consumer markets.
The shops will be developed in New York City and the surrounding region, including Long Island and New Jersey. The Original Entrepreneurs group, a long-time Krispy Kreme franchisee and experienced quick-service restaurant operator, operates 12 Krispy Kreme shops.
“We’re pleased to continue growing with Original Entrepreneurs,” said Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth. “This development agreement reflects our focus on capital-light franchise growth and enables us to expand with an operator that has deep expertise building and operating Krispy Kreme shops in a competitive market.”
Original Entrepreneurs is based in Jersey City and opened its first Krispy Kreme Hot Light Theater shop in 2017 and has since expanded across New Jersey and New York. Following its Jersey City opening, the company added locations in Springfield, East Rutherford, Paramus and Lakewood before entering the New York market.
“We’re proud of our long-standing relationship with Krispy Kreme and confident in the strength of the brand,” said Karl Halligan, principal of Original Entrepreneurs.
Krispy Kreme was founded in 1937 in Winston‑Salem, N.C., by Vernon Rudolph, who developed a yeast‑raised donut recipe and built a “donut theater” around it. Its signature Original Glazed donut and famous “Hot Now” neon sign created a sensory, event‑based experience.
The doughnut maker has a lot of ground to make up in its battle for donut dominance in New Jersey. Dunkin’ has 858 locations in New Jersey, most of which are franchised through various franchisee groups. Krispy Kreme has just six.