Doughnut fans rejoice - Krispy Kreme is coming to New Zealand.
The global doughnut chain is opening in Manukau in March next year, and is expected to sell its products into other areas around Auckland and the Waikato region initially.
The glazed and coated doughnuts have a cult-like following andthe brand has spread from the American south to having more than 600 stores around the world.
Founded in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1937, Krispy Kreme's hot original glazed remains its most popular although there are dozens of coatings, toppings and fillings.
It's not clear whether all of the flavours would be available to Kiwi fans but the company typically experiments with new tastes throughout the year on top of its traditional flavours.
Construction of the retail store and manufacturing facility has begun as part of an $8 million development in Ronwood Ave - owned by the Wiri Licensing Trust.
The development will also feature a drive-through where customers can buy their doughnuts.
Trust chairman Alan Johnson said the development was extremely exciting, and could create up to 150 full and part-time jobs.
"We think it's a fairly innovative design - it's a retail store and manufacturing facility all in one so it's their flagship store and their first entry into New Zealand," Johnson said.
"It's going to be the basis for what's going to be the most prominent retail shop but also where the back of house stuff will occur - it's quite a big facility," he said.
The deal has been in the works for about 15 months according to Johnson who said finding the right site and getting consent had taken a significant amount of time.
The manufacturing plant was expected to be the base for further expansion around the country.
Graphic view of the planned Krispy Kreme store in Auckland. Photo/supplied
"Their ambition is to set up some smaller stores across Auckland and perhaps across the Waikato, but also to get into distribution arrangements with some other retail outlets," Johnson said.
"I don't know what those will be but I know they will be running satellite stores across Auckland and perhaps into Hamilton."
A number of American-style chains had popped up in recent years, including Carl's Jr and Ben and Jerry's.
Advocacy and policy manager for Hospitality New Zealand Dylan Firth said he expected this to continue.
"Tastes are changing and what people see on the movies [is affecting this] as well, so we're seeing more of these pop up and more choice is good."
