AUBURN — North Carolina-based Krispy Kreme intends to open a shop in Auburn before year’s end.

Krispy Kreme touted its move into northern New England in February, saying it planned to open four franchise shops in New Hampshire and three in Maine in the next few years.

Krispy Kreme intends to open a shop in Auburn before year's end. It will be the first Krispy Kreme store in the state. Associated Press/Kevork Djansezian

The Auburn store becomes the first Krispy Kreme announced in Maine.

Krispy Kreme has 1,003 retail shops in 25 countries, but it’s much smaller than Massachusetts-based Dunkin’ Donuts, which has more than 11,000 shops and franchises worldwide.