Krispy Kreme has outlets across the UK, including Edinburgh, London, Glasgow and Leeds, but no store on the island of Ireland

AMERICAN doughnut and coffeehouse chain Krispy Kreme is set to open its first store in Northern Ireland.

The Irish News can reveal that the global company, which has over 1,000 stores around the world, including the UK, has advertised for staff for its first store in the north, with the location at this stage unknown.

It is thought the new store is to be located in Belfast, although the North Down district could be another possible location. The new store could be in addition to another outlet in the south, most likely in and around Dublin.

Krispy Kreme, founded in North Carolina in 1937, opened its first outlet in the UK in the world famous Harrod's department store in October 2003 and has since gone on to open in sites, including Edinburgh, Bristol, Birmingham and Leeds.

Self-service cabinets are also located in around 500 Tesco stores and service station in Britain, but nowhere on the island of Ireland.

That is until now as two jobs listings have appeared on recruitment website Indeed advertising both 'Team Member' and 'Shift Leader positions' for Krispy Kreme in the 'North Down district'.

When contacted by the Irish News Krispy Kreme did not deny a new store in the north. A spokesperson said the company was always looking to expand and were "hoping to open in Ireland soon".

"We're unable to release further details just yet, as nothing is confirmed," they said

“We are currently actively scouting a number of locations to open our first Irish store. Although nothing is confirmed at this stage, we're very excited to spread the joy of Krispy Kreme across the Irish sea in the near future - so watch this space!”