The “hot light” turned on Wednesday morning, marking the return of fresh Krispy Kreme doughnuts to Minnesota.

The doughnut and coffee chain left the state in 2008. It returned with a new store in Fridley — and to hordes of excited doughnut fans.

Over 100 people waited in lines outside and in cars at the drive-thru just before the 8 a.m. grand opening.

The first person arrived at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Michael Kaplan of Wayzata held down the fort until his daughter, brother and nephew could join several hours later. He said they have a “mild, healthy addiction” to Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

“Doughnuts are happiness with a hole,” said David Kaplan of Chanhassen.

Krispy Kreme gifted the Kaplans a golden ticket which allows them to get a free dozen doughnuts each month for a year. The company said

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