I’m sure Louie won’t like hearing this one…

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/3647846.html

Krispy Kreme stores in Houston will turn off the lights next month.

The stores shutterings come as part of a legal settlement between Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and its Houston franchisee Lone Star Doughnuts Ltd.

The franchisee had sued Krispy Kreme, claiming the donut chain pressured Lone Star to open new stores and threatened to declare a default if the franchisee refused, according to court documents. It also claimed Krispy Kreme forced Lone Star to buy unnecessary equipment and marked up cost of goods and supplies, the documents show.

Lone Star officials weren’t immediately available for comment.

The six area Lone Star Doughnut stores will cease to operate as Krispy Kreme on March 8.

Krispy Kreme said today it plans to reopen stores in Houston, but didn’t say when.

Considering my friend Louie picks up doughnuts from the Richmond Ave. location once a week or so to take to work, I can’t imagine him being too happy about that news… heh.