Krispy Kreme History
From a secret recipe in Winston-Salem to 1,400+ locations worldwide — the full story of Krispy Kreme.
The Founding Story
Krispy Kreme was born from a secret recipe and a leap of faith. In 1937, a young entrepreneur named Vernon Rudolph purchased a secret yeast-raised doughnut recipe from a New Orleans chef named Joe LeBeau. Rudolph loaded up a car with his uncle and drove to Winston-Salem, North Carolina — a city he chose specifically for its proximity to tobacco companies whose workers he believed would love fresh doughnuts.
The first Krispy Kreme operation started as a wholesale business selling doughnuts to local grocery stores. The doughnuts were so popular that people would line up outside the factory asking to buy them directly. Rudolph cut a hole in the factory wall and began selling hot doughnuts directly to customers on the street — the beginning of what would become the Krispy Kreme retail experience.
The Original Glazed recipe has remained largely unchanged since 1937 — the same light, airy yeast-raised doughnut with that distinctive thin sweet glaze that has made Krispy Kreme one of the most recognized food brands in America.
Krispy Kreme Timeline
Founded in Winston-Salem, NC
Vernon Rudolph opens the first Krispy Kreme operation on South Main Street, Winston-Salem, selling yeast-raised doughnuts wholesale to grocery stores.
Expansion Across the Southeast
Krispy Kreme expands through the southeastern United States, becoming a beloved regional brand known for hot fresh doughnuts.
Purchased by Beatrice Foods
Krispy Kreme is acquired by Beatrice Foods, a large food conglomerate, beginning a period of standardization and expansion.
Management Buyout
A group of Krispy Kreme franchisees buy the company back from Beatrice Foods, returning it to independent ownership and refocusing on quality.
First Store Outside the Southeast
Krispy Kreme opens its first location outside the southeastern US in New York City, sparking nationwide attention and media coverage.
IPO on Nasdaq
Krispy Kreme goes public on the Nasdaq stock exchange, becoming one of the most talked-about IPOs of the year with massive investor interest.
First International Location
Krispy Kreme opens its first international location in Canada, beginning a global expansion that would eventually reach over 100 countries.
Acquired by JAB Holding
Krispy Kreme is acquired by JAB Holding Company, a European investment firm that also owns Peet's Coffee, Panera Bread, and other food brands.
Second IPO on Nasdaq
Krispy Kreme returns to public markets with a second IPO on the Nasdaq under the ticker DNUT, raising capital for continued expansion.
McDonald's Partnership
Krispy Kreme announces a partnership with McDonald's to sell doughnuts in McDonald's locations across the US — a major expansion of the brand's retail presence.
1,400+ US Locations
Krispy Kreme operates over 1,400 locations across the United States and is available in thousands of grocery and convenience stores nationwide.
Key Facts and Figures
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1937 |
| Founder | Vernon Rudolph |
| Original Location | Winston-Salem, North Carolina |
| Headquarters | Winston-Salem, North Carolina |
| US Locations | 1,400+ |
| Global Presence | 100+ countries |
| Signature Item | Original Glazed Doughnut (190 cal, $1.59+) |
| Recipe Age | Largely unchanged since 1937 |
| Stock Ticker | DNUT (Nasdaq) |
| Parent Company | JAB Holding Company |
| Major Retail Partner | McDonald's (US partnership) |
Explore More on KrispyKremeDonuts.com
89 Years and Still Going Strong
From a single factory in Winston-Salem to over 1,400 US locations and a global presence in 100+ countries — Krispy Kreme's 89-year journey is built on one recipe that has barely changed since 1937. The Original Glazed remains the benchmark and the Hot Light tradition keeps customers coming back generation after generation.
Sarah Mitchell
Sarah has 7 years of experience documenting US fast food menus. All content independently researched. Read full profile
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