The doughnut legend only has one location currently in N.J. — but that's about to change.
Krispy Kreme, the Southern glazed doughnut legend, plans to open six stores in Hudson and Bergen counties over the next several years, according to company officials.
The doughnut chain has signed a development agreement with Entrepreneurs, LLC to open the six locations.
"Krispy Kreme is such a classic brand and we're excited to bring the best sweet treats and premium coffee to New Jersey," said Karl Halligan, one of three partners in Entrepreneurs, LLC, in a statement released by Krispy Kreme. "The fan base for Krispy Kreme products is already very strong in New Jersey, so we're thrilled to be adding to the excitement already surrounding the brand."
Krispy Kreme "is an iconic brand that provides an experience unlike any other," said Patricia Perry, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts' Vice President, Global Franchise Development.
The specific locations of the new stores are not yet known.
Earlier this month, Krispy Kreme announced a merger agreement with JAB Beech. When the merger is complete, Krispy Kreme will be privately owned and will continue to be independently operated from Krispy Kreme's current headquarters in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Last year, Krispy Kreme announced an expansion plan throughout the United States, with particular focus on the Northeast, Northwest and parts of the Midwest. There are about 300 shops in 41 states, and overall 1,000 shops in 25 countries.
This is not Krispy Kreme's first attempt to gain a foothold in New Jersey. Its first New Jersey store, in Brick, opened in 2003 but later closed. "We are extremely excited about our continued expansion in the Northeast, as we open our first store in New Jersey," a company official said at the time.
There is one current location in New Jersey, on Haddon Avenue in Collingswood; that store opened in 2011. There is a shop at Penn Station in New York City. Pennsylvania locations include Scranton and Bensalem. Krispy Kreme doughnuts can also be found in supermarkets and gas stations up and down the East Coast.
Krispy Kreme was started by Vernon Rudolph, who bought a doughnut shop in Paducah, Ky., and with a secret yeast-raised dougnut recipe he had acquired in New Orleans, opened shop.
Rudolph later moved the operation to Nashville. In 1937, he and two partners left Music City in a Pontiac, with $200 in cash, several pieces of doughnut-making equipment, and the secret recipe.
The three ended up in Winston-Salem, N.C., using their last $25 to rent a building across from a local college. They removed the Pontiac's back seat and installed a delivery rack, moving the back seat to the doughnut shop, where they used it as a bed when they worked their 15-to-20 hours days.
The doughnuts have achieved cult status among their fanatical followers.
"The Appalachian love child of the souffle and croissant" is how Melissa Schoor described an Original Glazed doughnut in GQ magazine. "As warm as a June night in Tennessee, as sweet as a blonde belle, it tumbles effortlessly to the bottom of your stomach."
Peter Genovese may be reached at pgenovese@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @PeteGenovese or via The Munchmobile @NJ_Munchmobile. Find the Munchmobile on Facebook and Instagram.