Business & Tech

27 Days to Borough's First Bite of Krispy Kreme

The Krispy Kreme countdown has officially begun with less than a month until the bakery officially opens.

In 27 days, Collingswood will finally be able to take its first bite out of a Krispy Kreme doughnut. 

The long-awaited arrival of —at 1152 Haddon Ave., in the old Kentucky Fried Chicken building—is over.

Owner Brian Zaslow has confirmed an opening date: Tuesday, August 23, at 6 a.m. Unless a major setback arises, Zaslow said this date will mark opening day for location.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

"It's been a long process, with a lot of detail involved," said Zaslow of opening the business, for which he this past January. "It's taken a lot of work to get ready. We've put thousands of dollars into updating this property, including a new parking lot, new landscaping and irrigation, and a new fence. We've done these things at the community's request, and to ensure the business' success."

Zaslow and his first cousin, Keith Morgan, are part-owners of the Collingswood location, and the men already own two other Krispy Kreme's in Philadelphia—one in Center City, and one in the Northeast.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

"It was really my cousin's idea (Keith Morgan) to bring Krispy Kreme to Philadelphia," said Zaslow. "Every time our Philly customers come in, they ask us when we're going to open a store in New Jersey. So in response to our customers' needs, we felt it was time."

And Zaslow said Collingswood was the perfect place to set up shop.

"We couldn't be happier to open in Collingswood. It's a great town," he said. "My wife and I have been coming here many years for the shopping and restaurants, even though we live in Cheltenham, PA. I think (Collingswood) is a very vibrant community."

Regarding other, existing bakeries in the area, Zaslow said his business' arrival will pose no threat. 

"We're here to be a vital part of the community," he said. "There are many bakeries here already, and they've been able to coexist. We plan to do the same."

And though Krispy Kreme is a widely recognized name, Zaslow said his ownership in the franchise isn't as large-scale.

"We're a local franchise, owned by family," he said. "Keith (Zaslow's partner) is my first cousin, our mothers were sisters. We're a family business, too, just like the ones in town."

And the cousins' three-location franchise ownership has taken an innovative approach to traditional Krispy Kreme protocol.

"(Our three sites) are the first Krispy Kremes in the country to carry baked goods and Krispy Kreme For You products," he said. "We pitched the ideas to the company, and we're testing them out. We wanted to give people a wider range of products."

Krispy Kreme For You, said Zaslow, is a line of better-for-you products, like reduced-fat muffins, organic oatmeal with fresh fruit, granola, soy and organic milk options, and natural juices. 

Baked goods will include six types of muffins—including lemon poppy and coffee cake—six kinds of bagels, and hot cinnamon rolls.

"We've gone above-and-beyond a standard Krispy Kreme. We're installing free Wi-Fi Internet for customers' use, a lounge area with sofas and love seats, a flat-screen television," he said. "We want people to hang out here, come here and have a breakfast business meeting, to order a coffee, bring their laptops and work. It's a great place to do that."

The space will offer seating for 30, plus a lounge area, restrooms, Internet, hot and fresh baked goods—plus a visible production line where customers can watch their doughnuts being freshly made. 

Kids will even be entertained, as Zaslow is considering creating a Kid's Corner, featuring books and child-sized tables and chairs. Baker's hats will be given to children, who can draw on them with store crayons.

A more uncommon trait will offer customers? The convenience of a drive-through pick-up window.

Zaslow said that store hours are not finalized yet, but Krispy Kreme will be open at 6 a.m. on August 23. Fridays and Saturdays will hold extended hours, and Sundays will likely have an early close. 

"We can't wait to meet everyone. Everyone's been so nice about our arrival in Collingswood," he said, chuckling. "But be ready—both our Philly stores had people camping out the night before opening day."

Borough residents and visitors should keep their eyes peeled for one tell-tale sign that can only mean : the buzz, hum, and flicker of the neon Hot Now signs. 

For Collingswood, the countdown to hot, fresh soul-food for that aching sweet tooth has officially begun.

Editor's Note: Krispy Kreme is now conducting interviews for potential employees. Click  to view interview dates and times. Applications can be found at KrispyKremeSJ.com for applicants to complete, print and bring along to the interview. Also visit KrispyKremeSJ.com to sign up for the store's newsletter.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here