Krispy Kreme plans for Dublin city outlet suffer setback

Council seeks lower profile signage and confirmation it will not be a takeaway outlet

Krispy Kreme’s plans to open its first Dublin city centre outlet to customers have suffered a setback. The doughnut group now says the outlet at the new Central Plaza on Dame Street will not be open until early 2022.

The US-owned company says it will miss out on the busy Christmas season after Dublin City Council put its application for signage on hold after requesting further information.

Krispy Kreme is seeking permission for three signs on the glazed facade of its Central Plaza unit.

In the letter seeking additional information, the council noted that the planning permission for the unit is for restaurant/cafe and that any takeaway element should be ancillary to the main restaurant/cafe use.

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It says the minimal seating/dining facilities proposed appear to suggest the premises may be used mainly as a takeaway service, for which the unit does not have permission.

In the interests of clarity, consistency and orderly development, Krispy Kreme “is requested to clearly illustrate the intended use of the unit and submit additional drawings/information if necessary”, the council wrote.

The report also states there are “serious reservations” regarding the visual impact of the corporate Krispy Kreme signage proposed for the unit and the surrounding context.

It has asked Krispy Kreme to lodge revised plans for the main signage, reducing its height with subtle backlit illumination and more muted colouring.

A spokeswoman for Krispy Kreme Ireland said on Friday that the store was due to open in early 2022, with construction work well under way and progressing. A planned store for Swords Pavilion in north Dublin will open on November 25th.

Gordon Deegan

Gordon Deegan

Gordon Deegan is a contributor to The Irish Times