July 13, 1937- The Founding of Krispy Kreme

July 13

Copy of a Krispy Kreme Shop in 2022

Krispy Kreme is now a global powerhouse known for its doughnuts and coffee, but it began with humble roots in the summer of 1937. The founder, Vernon Rudolph, was a young man with a dream and a top-secret recipe for yeast-raised doughnuts that he acquired from an old chef in New Orleans. Despite facing financial struggles during the Great Depression, he rented an old warehouse in North Carolina to produce his doughnuts and started selling them in local grocery stores. Word spread that Rudolph would sell his doughnuts hot and fresh from the oven at his warehouse from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m., leading to a surge in popularity. This success allowed him to officially establish Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. on July 13, 1937.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. experienced rapid expansion in the 1950s and 1960s, growing from its origins in North Carolina to cover most of the Southeastern states. The company became famous for its “hot and fresh” doughnut experience. While Krispy Kreme has faced several challenges over the past few decades, including transitioning from private ownership to franchises, overexpansion, and financial difficulties, it has made significant progress towards regaining stability as of 2022. Today, Krispy Kreme is a global brand with stores in over 35 countries and has recently announced a collaboration with McDonald’s. Their “hot and fresh” glazed doughnuts remain a highly sought-after treat across the United States.

Fun Facts about Krispy Kreme: 

  • The secret recipe for their famous glazed doughnut remains a closely guarded secret, handed down through generations.
  • Krispy Kreme is loved by many famous celebrities, including Shaquille O’Neal, who owns several franchises across the country.
  • A mobile app allows customers to know when doughnuts are made and ready for purchase, featuring a “hot and fresh” alert.
  • The original Krispy Kreme location in North Carolina remains operational and is a popular destination for doughnut enthusiasts.