The hotly anticipated Krispy Kreme on Center Street in Auburn will likely move one step forward in the next week or so: The doughnuteer has received its demolition permit and applied for a building permit that’s currently under review, according to Deputy Director of Planning and Development Eric Cousens.

The $3 million project at 410 Center St. will also house Firehouse Subs.

Once it receives the building permit, developer R&D Resources has three months to start construction and a year to finish, Cousens said. From everything he hears, it’ll move along more swiftly than that.

This summer, Krispy Kreme was projected to turn on its “HOT NOW” sign by the end of the year.

Maybe they needed a bright HIRING NOW sign? 

Also coming soon next door: Taco Bell, which is wrapping up a major overhaul of the former Tim Hortons on Center Street in Auburn.

It’s received a temporary certificate of occupancy, Cousens said. There are just a few minor fixes to address before bringing on the tacos.

It could have opened its doors even sooner, but “they delayed their opening because they had a hard time finding enough employees,” Cousens said.

And while we’re in the neighborhood

The new development beside Sherwin Williams and across the street from Taco Bell?

Its two 1,200-square-foot spaces are likely to be used for office, retail or restaurant, he said.

There’s been no word to the city on future tenants.

Batter up

Fielder’s Choice opened earlier this month in the former/remodeled Pizza Hut on Minot Avenue in Auburn. It’s the local chain’s fourth location.

According to a Facebook post on Thursday, the current most popular ice cream flavor at the Auburn store is Coffee Oreo. (In Sabattus, it’s Coffee Heath. In Manchester, it’s Peanut Butter Cup. And in Old Orchard Beach, it’s also Coffee Oreo.)

OK, now who’s hungry?

Meanwhile, across the bridge

Ledgemere Transportation has started construction at 62 Goddard Road in Lewiston on a 6,300-square-foot, three-bay garage with office space and 2.3 acres for school bus parking, according to paperwork filed with the Lewiston Planning Board.

City Planner David Hediger said Ledgemere operates out of the Hudson Bus location on Bartlett Street, which is for sale. Once the new site is finished, it’ll move to Goddard Road.

The Buzz is about business comings, goings and happenings. Have a Buzzable tip? Contact staff writer Kathryn Skelton at 689-2844 or kskelton@sunjournal.com.