We dare you not to drool while reading these 15 facts about Krispy Kreme, including its beginnings in North Carolina. 

Krispy Kreme, the iconic doughnut purveyor with roots in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has been sweetening the lives of many since 1937. What started as a humble venture by Vernon Rudolph, armed with a secret recipe from a New Orleans chef, has grown into a global phenomenon. From its original “Hot Now” light to celebrity endorsements, Krispy Kreme’s journey is sprinkled with fascinating anecdotes and tasty triumphs.

Here are some delightful (and delicious) facts about this beloved doughnut brand that prove it’s much more than just a sugary treat.

1. Founding in Winston-Salem

Krispy Kreme was founded by Vernon Rudolph in 1937 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He bought a secret yeast-raised doughnut recipe from a New Orleans chef and started selling to local grocery stores. The first store was in a rented building at 534 South Main Street, in what is now historic Old Salem.

2. Original Glazed Recipe

The original glazed doughnut recipe is believed to have come from a French chef named Joe LeBeouf. This recipe, locked in a vault at the company headquarters, is the cornerstone of Krispy Kreme’s success, giving the doughnuts their signature taste and texture.

3. Early Struggles and Growth

During the Great Depression, Krispy Kreme struggled, but Vernon Rudolph relocated to Nashville before eventually setting up in Winston-Salem. Initially, it was a wholesale business, selling doughnuts to grocery stores, but the irresistible smell of fresh doughnuts soon attracted customers directly to the bakery. We all know that delectable scent!

4. Unique Name

The name “Krispy Kreme” is a creative spelling of “crispy cream.” This unique branding has helped the company stand out and become easily recognizable around the world.

5. The Ring King Machine

To ensure consistency across stores, Vernon Rudolph developed the Ring King machine, a conveyor belt system for making doughnuts. This innovation allowed for uniform quality and taste, and an updated version of this machine is still used in Krispy Kreme stores today.

6. Expansion Beyond the South

Krispy Kreme began expanding outside the southeastern United States in the 1950s. The first bakery outside the South opened in Akron, Ohio, in 1939, and by the 1960s, the brand was known throughout the Southeast and began reaching other regions.

7. Going Public and Private

Krispy Kreme went public on the NASDAQ in 2000, and later moved to the New York Stock Exchange. After facing financial difficulties, it returned to private ownership in 2016 under JAB Holding Company, and went public again in 2021.

8. International Presence

Krispy Kreme opened its first international store in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, in 2001. Today, the company operates in over 30 countries, including the UK, Australia, and Japan, showcasing its global appeal.

9. Fundraising and Community Support

Since 1955, Krispy Kreme has supported community fundraising efforts by providing doughnuts for bulk orders. In 2022, the company helped raise approximately $37 million for various causes, demonstrating its commitment to giving back.

10. Krispy Kreme Challenge

North Carolina State University hosts an annual Krispy Kreme Challenge where participants run five miles and consume a dozen doughnuts in under an hour. This event raises money for the UNC Children’s Hospital, blending fun with philanthropy.

11. Health-Conscious Options

In 2007, Krispy Kreme introduced a whole wheat glazed doughnut to cater to health-conscious customers. While it has nearly the same calories as the original, it contains more fiber, reflecting the company’s adaptability to changing consumer preferences.

12. Doughnut Vending Machines

In 2020, Krispy Kreme launched its first vending machine in North Carolina, offering 3-packs of doughnuts available 24/7. This innovation caters to the convenience-driven consumer, making it easier than ever to enjoy their treats.

13. Celebrity Fans

Krispy Kreme has garnered a number of celebrity fans over the years. Former President Barack Obama visited a store in 2012, and basketball star Shaquille O’Neal owns a Krispy Kreme franchise in Atlanta, highlighting the brand’s widespread appeal. Take that, Dunkin’ Donuts and Ben Affleck!

14. Unique Promotions

In 2021, Krispy Kreme offered a free Original Glazed doughnut every day for a year to customers who could prove they had received a COVID-19 vaccine. This promotion aimed to encourage vaccinations while also promoting their product.

15. McDonald’s Partnership

In 2024, Krispy Kreme announced a national partnership with McDonald’s to provide fresh doughnuts daily at McDonald’s locations across the U.S. This phased rollout will start in the second half of 2024, with nationwide availability expected by the end of 2026. This collaboration is set to double Krispy Kreme’s points of access, making their delicious doughnuts even more accessible.