Manukau new link in US doughnut chain
American doughnut chain Krispy Kreme is gearing up to make its New Zealand debut, opening its first store in Manukau next month.
And customers will also be able to collect their sweet treats through a drive-through lane or via delivery.
Its flagship 70-seat retail store and 700sq m factory — capable of making up to 4320 doughnuts per hour — will open on February 28, and it will be giving away a free doughnut to every person on arrival.
Krispy Kreme chief Andrew McGuigan said the company had spent three years scouting potential locations before settling on Manukau.
“It’s a big enough space, it’s near to great retailers and accessible from a highway perspective,” he said. “To be located next to other retailers is quite an advantage . . . will definitely help us pick up some traffic.” The location will employ 180 people, mostly from South Auckland. Krispy Kreme has plans to open two more stores in Auckland — one in the central business district this year and another in West Auckland. Queen St is not off the table. “We’re not a brand that needs to be in 50 locations, but we are looking for a location in the CBD or at transport hubs,” he said. “Medium and longer term, once we’ve established the brand — particularly with the Auckland community — there’ll be potential to launch in other parts of New Zealand, and in the South Island.” Dunkin’ Donuts is Krispy Kreme’s biggest competitor. Krispy Kreme began in North Carolina 80 years ago. There are now 800 stores in more than 34 locations worldwide. It has plans to offer a delivery service and be available through UberEats.