Planners approve first Krispy Kreme in state Despite dissatisfaction with large sign, plan garners 6-1 vote By Karl Vilacoba Staff Writer The Brick Planning Board has granted preliminary and final site plan approval for what will become the first Krispy Kreme franchise in New Jersey. Applicants Freedom Rings, LLC, of Folcroft, Pa., and D&J Realty, Dover, filed a joint application to renovate an existing T.G.I. Friday’s restaurant and build the new Krispy Kreme on a 1.69-acre site near the intersection of Route 70 and Chambers Bridge Road. The plan was passed by a 6-1 vote Jan. 8. Some final modifications to the planned 100-square-foot Krispy Kreme sign, which exceeds the 50-square-foot signage township ordinances allow, were not enough to satisfy all on the board. Its original height was trimmed from 25 to 20 feet, and from 16 to 12 feet in width, according to the applicants’ attorney, Mark Troncone, of King, Kitrick, Jackson & Troncone, Brick. The store’s trademark neon "hot donuts now" sign will be lighted from 5:30-11 a.m. and 5:30-11 p.m. "We talk about visual pollution, and what are we doing now?" asked Councilman Frederick Underwood, who sits on the board. "I would like very much to see Krispy Kreme in Brick Township ... (but) somewhere we have to put our foot down, and maybe this is not the time." Underwood said he would not vote against the application because of the sign, but also declined to vote for it, abstaining during roll call. Also expressing displeasure with the large sign was Salvatore Petoia, who voted in favor nonetheless. Frank Dockery cast the lone dissenting vote. Board Chairman Robert Scherer, however, said he was pleased with the applicants’ concessions and voted in favor of the plan. The 4,570-square-foot Krispy Kreme store will serve its signature hot-glazed donuts, juices, coffee and soft drinks 24 hours per day. Although the store will be closed to walk-in customers from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., a drive-through window will remain open at all times. The board’s decision noted the enthusiasm conveyed at prior meetings by Freedom Rings, LLC member Rocco Fiorentino. That company is in charge of franchise expansion in the southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey region. "It is well documented that Krispy Kreme has a large and devoted following, and Mr. Fiorentino advised he was very proud to announce that this subject Brick Township site would be the first Krispy Kreme restaurant located in the state of New Jersey," the board document said. The existing T.G.I. Friday’s will expand its seating area 507 feet and add an 81-square-foot foyer at its entrance.