Krispy Kreme Doughnuts announced Monday that it plans to open four new shops in New Hampshire and three in Maine over the next several years, returning to a New England retail market dominated by Dunkin’ Donuts that it abandoned more than a decade ago.
“The demand for Krispy Kreme doughnuts and coffee continues to grow throughout New England, so we are very happy to bring this iconic brand to New Hampshire and Maine,” said the company’s vice president for global franchise development Patricia Perry in a statement.
Unlike Dunkin’ Donuts, Krispy Kreme—which has shrunk to 300 shops in 41 states—has had trouble breaking into the New England market in the past, Boston.com reports. The chain closed all seven locations in the region in the early 2000s.