Chicago may be in the midst of an unprecedented doughnut boom, but a behemoth is coming from the south to once again attempt to stake claim on Chicago's fried pastry crown. Krispy Kreme, the famous North Carolina-headquartered doughnut chain, is planning to flood Chicagoland with eight new shops "over the next few years," according to a release. Exact locations are currently unknown but the announcement says they'll all be in "downtown Chicago and throughout Cook County."

While Krispy Kreme has more than 1,000 locations in 24 countries worldwide and once operated multiple spots in and around the city, only one now exists in Chicagoland (Elk Grove Village) and another is in downstate Bloomington. Many Chicagoans have been clamoring for more Krispy Kremes for years, and it appears that those folks are finally getting their wish. Stay tuned for more details.