Krispy Kreme Doughnuts announced its official return to Chicagoland after a seven-year hiatus and amidst a continuing artisan doughnut shop trend. The shop, operated by franchisee Chicagoland Restaurants, LLC, in Homewood, Ill., is scheduled to open in November.
Krispy Kreme broke ground this summer on the new location, which will feature the company’s new, rebranded design with expanded seating space for enjoying treats and coffee in the store. The store will also offer a drive-thru. Krispy Kreme staples, such as the original glazed doughnut, as well as rotating seasonal recipes will be offered, along with an expanded drink menu including Krispy Kreme Smooth drip coffee, crafted specialty lattes, and Frozen Chillers from Krispy Kreme’s café favorites.
“The new Krispy Kreme design brings the warmth and comfort of a gourmet coffeehouse to the signature factory store,” says Carlos Larcada, president of Chicagoland Restaurants LLC. “Guests will now enjoy plush seating, updated decor, and a new focus on Krispy Kreme's Rich and Smooth drip coffees and a decadent signature espresso beverage menu.”
The space will maintain the signature Krispy Kreme Factory Shop layout. Guests will still begin their visit at the Doughnut Theater, watching as their favorite treats roll through the glaze waterfall before placing their order at the point of sale. The new coffeehouse design boasts warmer colored tile and Krispy Kreme Heritage-focused decor while maintaining the staple Hot Lights and open kitchen. The dining room will feature plush sofas, high-top community tables, flexible banquette seating, free Wi-Fi and plenty of power outlets. Operationally, the major change manifests at the front counter where guests will order doughnuts and coffee simultaneously at the point of sale to bring the focus closer to Krispy Kreme Doughnuts & Coffee.
Earlier this year, Krispy Kreme introduced a similar prototype store near Winston-Salem, N.C., specifically designed to boost coffee sales, with a new counter showcasing the coffee along with trained baristas, extra seating and free Wi-Fi.
Founded in 1937 in Winston-Salem, N.C. Krispy Kreme has more than 1,000 retail shops in 27 countries.