Krispy Kreme opens Bulleen store to big crowds

THE offer of a free doughnut proved irresistible for more than 1000 pastry lovers who turned up to the opening of Krispy Kreme’s newest Melbourne store — but one fan queued up extra early to be first in line and claim a sweet prize.

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THE offer of a free doughnut proved irresistible for more than 1000 pastry lovers who turned up to get their hands on a tasty treat when Krispy Kreme Bulleen opened this morning.

Patrons were queued up outside the store before the official 8am opening of the chain’s first new restaurant in Melbourne in 10 years.

And the first three in line won themselves a bit more than just one — one fan showed up at 10am yesterday to be the first, and guaranteed himself a year’s worth of free doughnuts.

It’s the first Krispy Kreme store in Melbourne to bring the 81-year-old chain’s new store design to customers.

Patrons can look out for the “hot now” light which signals the world-famous doughnuts are freshly glazed and good to go.

The drive-through was bumper-to-bumper at noon on Friday, while customers were lining up out the door to get their hands on the doughnuts, bagels, shakes and coffees.

Krispy Kreme Australia chief executive Andrew McGuigan said the chain loved to throw a party when it opened a new store.

“It’s been great, our first customer showed up at 10am yesterday. We want everyone to know we’re here and we feel privileged to be a part of the community,” he said.

But Mr McGuigan said people who weren’t necessarily doughnut lovers would be catered for, too.

Store manager Marie Le was excited with the turnout.

“We sell great barista-made coffee, milkshakes and bagels, too. We’re famous for our doughnuts but this is a space for customers to relax while they have their lunch,” he said.

Mr McGuigan said customers had enjoyed the new store design, they loved seeing the hot light come on and enjoyed the fresh glazing.

“We’ve had lots of smiles on people’s faces and that’s really our number one goal,” he said.

Store manager Marie Le said the team was rapt to get to work on the first morning.

“It was pretty constant — we haven’t stopped as a team and we’re expecting even more people to come in after school,” she said.

For those who want to go inside rather than around the drive-through, the store has seating for 80.

The queue outside the store today.