Doughnuts cause traffic jams in Blanchardstown centre

Shoppers keen to be among the first to experience US retail chain Krispy Kreme’s doughnut drive- thru experienced traffic gridlock and long delays at the weekend.

Traffic jams around the Blanchardstown Centre on Sunday were said to be “like Christmas” and were said to be caused by queues for Krispy Kreme’s doughnut drive-thru, a key feature of their first Irish retail outlet, which opened in the shopping centre last week.

AA Roadwatch reported traffic was heavy at the N3 exit from the M50, but was severely congested on the Snugborough Road and the N3 approach to the Blanchardstown Centre, as well as other roads in the centre vicinity.

AA Roadwatch’s Arwen Foley said “it was exceptionally busy around 4pm on Sunday. It seemed to come out of the blue.” Ms Foley said the AA could not say definitively what caused the jam but it appeared to be based around the shopping centre.

‘Like Christmas’

Swords-based chauffeur Ross McNally speaking to Dublin Live said he was sitting in traffic near the centre for 40 minutes on Sunday afternoon. “It was madness. It was like Christmas,” he said.

A spokeswoman for Krispy Kreme said the chain was very excited by the reception the new business had received and “more than 300 eager doughnut fans” had queued for the store opening at 7am on Wednesday last.

Pat Fitzgerald, Blanchardstown Centre operations manager, said the traffic was generated by interest in the new retail store. He said the level of interest was a “fantastic response” for the new outlet.

Opening date for Krispy’s Kreme first Irish store announced

After months of anticipation, the opening date for Ireland’s first Krispy Kreme has been announced.

The US doughnut giant is opening in the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre after receiving planning permission from Fingal County Council yesterday. The news comes nearly two years after the possibility of an Irish Krispy Kreme hit the news.The planning permission granted to the retailer allows for a large ‘factory store’, a retail and production unit in the shopping centre, including a drive-thru. All going to plan, customers can expect an October opening date for the store. All 16 varieties of Krispy Kreme’s doughnuts will be available in share boxes or individually. The drive-through option will be available seven days per week. Kreme shakes, tea, coffee and other refreshments will also be available in-store and to take away.

According to the Irish Sun, Ireland Country Director Alex Drysdale said: “It is with great excitement that we today announce that the OG of doughnuts, Krispy Kreme Original Glazed, is coming to Ireland this October along with many other delicious flavours for Irish customers to enjoy.” He said “Our Blanchardstown build is underway and we will soon be announcing recruitment details for our Irish operation. We look forward to welcoming all our Irish fans, and those yet to have their first Krispy Kreme experience, through our doors and our drive-thru this October.”

Founded in 1937 by Vernon Rudolph in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Krispy Kreme is a listed company with more than 1,300 stores in 31 countries

Krispy Kreme gets go-ahead to open in Blanchardstown…with 24/7 drive thru!

After months of excitement, it’s been confirmed that US doughnut giant Krispy Kreme will soon be arriving in Blanchardstown Centre after Fingal County Council approved its planning application yesterday.The new store will also consist of a drive-thru which will be open 24 hours a day.

The retailer confirmed plans to brings its operations to Ireland in September 2016 to much excitement. According to the planning application “Krispy Kreme will include a food production area for the proposed cafe/restaurant use, which will also provide for distribution of produce to other outlets, and a drive-through facility. ‘The proposed development includes alterations to the elevations, alterations to the layout of the adjacent surface car parking area primarily associated with the drive-through facility, alterations to the existing service yard, signage for each unit, and associated ancillary works.

Krispy Kreme was founded in 1937, and it opened its 1000th international outlet in Peru last year. In total, there are over 1,300 shops in 31 countries, and after 81 whole years in business, the retailer will make Ireland it 32nd country.

An official opening date for Ireland’s first Krispy Kreme is yet to be announced.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Coming To Ireland

American doughnut chain Krispy Kreme is headed to Ireland. British real estate agent Morgan Williams is scouting potential sites in Dublin. It is believed it will comprise of a production unit and a café titles the ‘Hotlight Factory Store’.

Expansion into Ireland has been cited as a ‘priority’ and preliminary discussions have taken place with potential landlords. Krispy Kreme currently have over 1,100 outlets in over 26 countries worldwide.

Krispy Kreme in Ireland

  • Seeking a building of 4,700 sq. ft unit accommodating a drive thru and 60+ parking spaces.
  • Investment would be in excess of €1.5 million and employ 50+

Once established, it’s believed Krispy Kreme would consider smaller format stores located at airports, train stations or in a city centre unit. Potential sites for the factory and café unit are believed to be near Liffey Valley and Blachardstown Shopping Centres.