Krispy Kreme plans to open 33 shops across the New York City area over the next five years under a new franchise deal, Patch and Inside Retail reported.

The doughnut chain announced the agreement Tuesday with Original Entrepreneurs, a longtime franchise operator that already runs 12 Krispy Kreme shops, both outlets said.

The new shops will be in New York City and the surrounding region, including Long Island and New Jersey, Inside Retail reported. Patch said the company has not yet announced specific sites or opening dates.

Krispy Kreme now has eight locations in New York City, including shops in Times Square and on the Upper East and Upper West sides of Manhattan, Patch reported. Brooklyn has none.

Original Entrepreneurs is based in Jersey City, New Jersey, and opened its first Krispy Kreme shop in 2017, Patch said. It later expanded to Springfield, East Rutherford, Paramus and Lakewood in New Jersey before entering New York.

Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth said the deal reflects the brand's focus on "capital-light" franchise growth, Inside Retail reported. That means growing with partners instead of paying to build every shop itself, Patch said.

"We're proud of our long-standing relationship with Krispy Kreme and confident in the strength of the brand," said Karl Halligan, a principal of Original Entrepreneurs, according to Inside Retail.

"We look forward to building on that relationship and continuing to expand Krispy Kreme's presence across the New York metro area," added John Mondry, another principal, Inside Retail reported.

In February, Krispy Kreme said it was continuing its turnaround plan, with plans to open at least 100 more shops around the world by the end of the year, Inside Retail said.

The chain has ground to make up in New Jersey, ROI-NJ reported. Dunkin' has 858 locations in the state, while Krispy Kreme has six.

What we know: Krispy Kreme plans 33 New York-area shops over five years.
What we don't: Where and when the first new shops will open.