Relief is just around the corner for San Antonians tired of trekking to Austin for fresh Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. announced that their traditional “Hot Doughnuts Now” sign will light up in a new store this fall at 12328 I-10 West, near the intersection of I-10 West and De Zavala. Construction is currently underway, and the grand opening is scheduled for early October.

“Many of our customers are logging a lot of miles to get to our Austin store, so we are excited to bring our Hot Original Glazed doughnuts to San Antonio,” said Randy Willard, president and CEO of Glazing Saddles Ltd., the area developer for Austin and San Antonio. “We’re so grateful for all the local support, and can’t wait to return the favor by lowering gasoline bills for our loyal customers.”

“When you take a bite of a Krispy Kreme doughnut, you know you’re getting something special and unique,” said San Antonian Patricia Vasquez, a fifth-grade teacher and Krispy Kreme fan. Vasquez currently drives to Austin regularly to get her hot doughnuts. “Now it’s going to be so much easier to get Krispy Kremes!”

The new store will offer 24-hour drive-thru service, along with lots of customer seating and fast, friendly counter service seven days a week. And, in the Krispy Kreme tradition, when the red neon “Hot Doughnuts Now” sign is illuminated, customers will always know that the store is making batches of fresh, Hot Original Glazed doughnuts right then, right there.

“Krispy Kreme will employ up to 120 employees in the new store,” said San Antonio Krispy Kreme Store Manager Eduardo Tames. “We’re also scouting locations for a second Krispy Kreme in San Antonio, which we plan to open within the next 12 months.”

In addition to Randy Willard, the Glazing Saddles partnership consists of Mike Young and