New Krispy Kreme Draws Backlash From Locals

ASTORIA, QUEENS — Astoria locals aren't sweet on Krispy Kreme.

Krispy Kreme, which is famed for its glazed doughnuts, is slated to open its first location in Queens at 22-02 31st Street, a vacant building that was once a Starbucks, documents show.

News of the new location, however, drew criticism from locals on social media, many of whom lamented the number of chains that have opened around Ditmars Boulevard in the past couple of years.

"One s*** franchise for another," commented one neighbor. "Keep franchises outta Astoria, we're supposed to be a mom [and] pop kinda place in the boroughs."

Another local, who has dreamed of opening a small business, finds it "discouraging" to see so many of these chains pop up. "But if the collective cares enough we can do something about it! Money talks so spend wisely," they added.

Several other people described Ditmars Boulevard as turning into a "mall" and one compared it to "Times Square."

Another gripe voiced by many Astorians is the proximity of the proposed Krispy Kreme to Dough Doughnuts, a small business that just opened half a block away.

"Dough is across the street and a million times better than Krispy Kreme. Support local!" wrote one.

"Another chain on that block AND right next to Dough," commented another alongside disgusted-face emojis. "Why are house prices so high to live in a mall food court?"

Many commenters who were displeased about the mall-like food options added that the prevalence of chains means that Astoria is losing out on having more varied food — and business — options.

"Astoria is losing the kind of businesses which made it special and livable. It used to be filled with bakeries which made fresh bread, fish stores, fruit stands, unique bakeries, butchers and supermarkets," wrote one.

Another pointed out that they already walk past two bakeries between the nearby Astoria - Ditmars Boulevard subway station and their home. "Now Popeyes and Krispy Kreme just to add. What?!?!" they wrote.

A third was sad to see that the former-Starbucks is not being replaced with a store selling "stuff we need" like "a clothing or shoe shop or grocery store," they commented alongside a sad-face emoji.

Krispy Kreme's foray into Queens is part of a recent citywide expansion in recent years.

For a while, the only Manhattan shop was in Penn Station, but there are now eight locations in the borough, most recently including a shop in East Harlem that opened this month. There's one shop in the Bronx, too.

The chain did not immediately respond to Patch's inquiry about when its Astoria location will open.