Krispy Kreme Times Square Flagship to Open Sept. 15

The Times Square Krispy Kreme flagship is a one-of-a-kind doughnut theater, showcasing how the sweet treats are made.

By Katelin Walling July 8, 2021

A Krispy Kreme store unlike any other is coming to Times Square Sept. 15, when the world’s largest Hot Light will be lit for the first time. The Times Square flagship is a 4,500-square-foot store that features doughnuts, of course, plus an inside look at how the classic treats are made. This location is the latest in the brand's commitment to expand its doughnut offerings in NYC.

“We’re filled with joy to share the sweet news that Krispy Kreme is opening in Times Square,” said Michael Tattersfield, CEO of Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation, in a press release. “We said earlier this year that when New York City and Times Square are ready, we’ll be ready. We can’t wait to bring a new, bright Hot Light to Broadway beginning Sept. 15.”

krispy kreme times square interior — The Krispy Kreme Times Square flagship is a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience that showcases how the doughnuts are made, from the mixing of ingredients to the 2-foot Glaze Waterfall.

What to Expect at the Krispy Kreme Times Square Flagship

New Yorkers and visitors alike come to Broadway for the theater, and Krispy Kreme’s first global flagship is falling right in line. The store is a doughnut theater, of sorts, showcasing the end-to-end doughnut-making process, from the mixing of raw ingredients to the conveyor belts that carry the sweet treats from station to station, to the literal waterfall of glaze that makes Krispy Kreme doughnuts the shiny sweet donuts craved by so many. As if that wasn’t enough, the Times Square location features the brand’s largest Glaze Waterfall, a 2-foot tall stream of the sweet topping that coat the Original Glazed.

The flagship has 16 different doughnut flavors on the menu, including the Original Glazed, Cake Batter, and Strawberry frosted with Sprinkles, along with cold bottled drinks and a full coffee menu. But as a bonus just for those who visit the one-of-a-kind location in the heart of Manhattan, Krispy Kreme created the special edition Big Apple doughnut, inspired by the candy apples from Coney Island.

krispy kreme's big apple doughnut — The special edition Big Apple doughnut, which is only available at Krispy Kreme's Times Square location

Once you get your sweet treats, stop by the store’s Doughnut Box Experience, stadium like seating with tables specially designed for the perfect Instagram pic.

"We all need a little joy right now and with that we welcome the Krispy Kreme flagship location to the heart of this great city. We're thrilled for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy the one-of-a-kind treats and the famous Hot Light experience. This iconic brand will make Times Square sweeter and we can't wait to take a bite," said Tim Tompkins, President of the Times Square Alliance.

How Krispy Kreme is Keeping Visitors Safe

Originally scheduled to open in May, illuminating the Hot Light was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. And Krispy Kreme quickly adapted its opening plans to ensure guests and employees alike are safe in the store.

Capacity in the store is limited, and you can even reserve time slots online to visit the store and remote queueing. The store is also adhering to all NYC and CDC COVID-19 safety guidelines, including face masks required for anyone in the store, protective barriers between guests and employees, social distancing markers, regular cleaning and sanitizing, and temperature checks of employees before their shift. What’s more? You can place an order online or via the Krispy Kreme app and pick up your doughnuts from the 24-hour curbside pick-up window.

krispy kreme paper hat station — Guests can get in the spirit and don their own Krispy Kreme paper hat!

Want to visit the Times Square Krispy Kreme flagship?

The world’s tallest Hot Light, standing at 15 feet tall, will always be on. That’s right, that means you can enjoy a hot, fresh Original Glazed Krispy Kreme doughnut whenever the craving strikes!