It's hot donut time in St. Petersburg.

The newest Krispy Kreme Doughnut Shop opened Thursday at 9100 4th St. North in St. Petersburg. And dozens of people were outside the shop waiting this morning when the store opened for business.

In fact, the first 50 guests in line received free doughnuts for a year. Richard Coley of St. Petersburg said he couldn't pass up being the first in line for the opening.

"The difference between my prize and the other 49 prizes is that I will get a dozen doughnuts each week for a year," Coley said. "They will get a dozen doughnuts each month."

The opening marks a return to St. Petersburg for the doughnut franchise. 

"We are extremely excited to bring this newly constructed and updated shop to our St. Petersburg area doughnut and coffee fans," says Stuart Brown, Vice President of Operations for Golf Florida Holdings, Inc.

The approximately 2,400-square foot location with a drive-thru will feature more than a dozen varieties of Krispy Kreme doughnuts, including the signature Hot Original Glazed, as well as a complete menu of Krispy Kreme Lattes, Krispy Kreme Chillers, iced beverages and Krispy Kreme Signature Coffee Blends.

The location will also be the first in the area to offer a new catering menu, specialty doughnut cakes and birthday parties.