Krispy Kreme franchise territory is a sweet opportunity

It was a quarter-century ago when New York-based restaurant and hospitality business owner Jim Cosentino tasted his first Krispy Kreme doughnut. He liked it so much he bought the southeast Florida franchise rights, sold all his New York interests and moved the family business to Fort Lauderdale in 1998. 

Now, ensconced in the world of Krispy Kreme, Cosentino believes big in the power of Florida's other coast, starting with a push in Fort Myers. At 6 a.m. Oct. 16, the neon “Hot Doughnuts Now” sign was officially lighted for the first time in Southwest Florida. That's when the first Krispy Kreme store in the region opened. The store at 4904 S. Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, capable of making its signature hot glazed doughnuts any time day or night.