After nearly 20 years, the wait is over: Krispy Kreme is making its long-anticipated comeback to the local area. The new store, located at 1900 Route 70 in Lakewood, is set to open on November 12, 2024, bringing back the iconic glazed doughnuts that captivated the community in the early 2000s.
The original Krispy Kreme, which opened in 2003 just north of TGI Friday’s in the Best Buy shopping plaza, was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with traffic backing up on Route 70 and police stepping in to manage the chaos. Despite the fanfare, that location closed just two years later, leaving doughnut lovers with a void that took years to fill.
This time, Krispy Kreme is returning with an updated approach. The new location replaces a former McDonald’s in the Town & Country shopping center, which has been remodeled to house a 4,000-square-foot Krispy Kreme Factory. Situated on the Brick-Lakewood border near Shorrock Street and Costco, the store is expected to draw heavy traffic from nearby neighborhoods and commuters along Route 70.
What sets this new Krispy Kreme apart is its factory-style design. The kitchen, equipped with a cutting-edge setup, will produce up to 700 doughnuts per hour. Visitors will enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the doughnut-making process, complete with a “glaze waterfall” and conveyor belt showcasing the fresh treats as they’re made. The store will also feature indoor seating and a drive-through for added convenience.
In addition to serving customers on-site, the Lakewood location will serve as a regional production hub, supplying freshly made doughnuts to retail stores in the area. This operational model ensures that fans across the region can enjoy Krispy Kreme’s signature taste without making the trip to Lakewood.
David Townes, managing director with JLL, the real estate firm overseeing the shopping center, expressed his excitement about Krispy Kreme’s return. “We are thrilled to bring this beloved doughnut shop back to the neighborhood after nearly 20 years,” he said. “Krispy Kreme is a dynamic addition to Town & Country Shopping Center’s retail experience.”
The new store is operated by the same franchise group behind Krispy Kreme locations in Paramus, Springfield, East Rutherford, and Jersey City. With its prominent position in the Town & Country shopping center, anchored by Home Depot and accessible from Route 70, the new Krispy Kreme is poised to become a community favorite once again.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the Krispy Kreme experience, the buzz surrounding this opening suggests one thing: the doughnut craze is about to heat up Route 70 all over again.
