RICHMOND, Va. — Seeing holes in the Richmond market, a couple from North Carolina has plans to sprinkle the area with a handful of new donut shops in the next year. Husband and wife Gregory and Danielle Nigro are bringing at least five new Dunkin’ Donuts franchises to the region, beginning in January with a shop at 900 W. Broad St. near VCU.

They have a lease for the 2,200-square-foot space and have also secured future locations at 13521 Waterford Place in Midlothian, the forthcoming Eastgate Town Center in Henrico, as well as stores in Ashland and Chester. Gregory Nigro did not want to specify where the latter two locations are because they are home to still-operating businesses.

“I think (Richmond is) a very dynamic city with a lot of people who are looking for our product,” said Gregory Nigro, 39. “You’ll be seeing quite a few stores opening in the next 12 months. I’d be surprised if we ended at just five locations.”

The shop will add to the Nigros’ existing local Dunkin’ store at 6801 Forest Hill Ave., as well as nine others the brand has locally with other franchisees.

Click here to read more about the plan to expand Dunkin’ Donuts in Richmond.