Our doughnuts and premium coffee are meant to bring you a joyful experience wherever you go. Krispy Kreme’s journey began from humble origins, starting with a single store and growing into a global sensation, marking the inception of our enchanting story.
1930’s
A fortunate hand
Krispy Kreme’s story was birthed in 1930s. The tale goes that a young doughnut maker Vernon Rudolph, the man responsible for these heavenly delights, won a secret yeast-raised doughnut recipe in a poker game with a French Chef in New Orleans. We’re not sure how historically accurate that is but we’re going with it!
Vernon went on to rent a space in Old Salem, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, initially selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts to grocery stores as a wholesaler. However, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked doughnuts wafted into the streets, beckoning passers-by and compelling them to inquire about purchasing hot, fresh doughnuts.
Vernon saw this as an opportunity to create a retail business and cut a hole in the wall of the building to start selling directly to customers.
1940’s - 1950's
they just kept coming back for more...
Customers became loyal patrons, knowing they could consistently savor the delightful taste,, regardless of which store they bought the doughnuts from.
To ensure consistency, Vernon pioneered the Krispy Kreme automatic doughnut cutter machine, ensuring the delivery of the perfect blend with every batch. This was the prototype of what you see in factory stores today.This innovative machine served as the prototype for the equipment used in our stores today, responsible for crafting our doughnuts’ flawless shape day after day.
1970’s - 1990's
A continued legacy
Regrettably, in 1976, Vernon passed away, but his beloved Krispy Kreme endures to this day. Krispy Kreme has earned a place of honor in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, a testament to Vernon’s enduring vision for the brand, solidifying Krispy Kreme as an American icon.
Present day
In France, we take pride in serving the world’s most delightful doughnuts. We continue to spread happiness with our Original Glazed® Doughnuts, the ones that ignited it all, along with exciting new limited-edition creations!