Krispy Kreme LogoEver wonder how Krispy Kreme Doughnuts became so famous? Ever wonder what makes them so good?

In 1933, a French chef from Louisiana had developed a recipe for self-rising yeast doughnuts. Vernon Rudolph and his uncle purchased the man’s shop in Paducah, Kentucky. Two years later, they moved to Nashville Tennessee where they started selling their doughnuts to grocery stores wholesale. Yet another two years later, Vernon Rudolph moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina to open up his own doughnut shop. Although he still sold his doughnuts to grocery stores, he had to start selling them to the public as a retail doughnut shop. He called his operation Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. A few years later, in the 50’s, 29 Krispy Kreme shops are opened in 12 different states. In 1973, Rudolph dies, but his company is purchased three years later by Beatrice Foods. Six years later, Joseph McAleer, Sr. buys Krispy Kreme for $22 Million. Soon, many shops are opened in the North as well as in the south. Shortly after, the Krispy Kreme Company becomes the leader in doughnut sells both wholesale and retail. In 2001, the first Krispy Kreme is opened outside the US in Toronto, Canada, and other shops were opened in Sydney Australia, and in the UK. Krispy Kreme is now the world’s leader in light, fluffy, and delightful doughnuts with a wide range of flavors, fillings, and toppings.

With locations all over the United States and in Canada, the Krispy Kreme chain of doughnut shops strives to compete with the usual pastry shop franchises notable to most shoppers today. Introduced by Vernon Rudolph in 1937, the Krispy Kreme doughnut shop first began with one store located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. With its signature play on words and deliberate misspelling of its title brand name, “Krispy Kreme”, the Krispy Kreme franchise chain left a firm impression on the minds of consumers of the day. Creating one of the first delivery ranges by employing small trucks clearly labeled with the company’s name and logo, Vernon Rudolph held the pastry market nearly on his own within the Winston-Salem area and surrounding locations.

Rudolph first sold his pastries to local bakeries and shops who ordered large quantities of mass-made Krispy Kreme doughnuts specifically as requested by their patrons. When local patrons discovered where the delicate pastries were made, Vernon Rudolph cut a hole in the side of his bakery shop and sold his Krispy Kreme doughnuts from inside his own building under the name of “Hot Original Glazed” doughnuts.

By the mid 1940’s, chains of Krispy Kreme brand doughnuts made their way across the South, most of which were all family owned. While each branch used the original Krispy Kreme doughnut recipe, each shop was left to make their products from scratch. Realizing that the mass market appeal for his pastries wasn’t growing to his expectations, Vernon Rudolph and his team developed their own production system which would pre-mix and then deliver the Krispy Kreme dry mix for use as dough in all of their franchise shops.

This small insight into a more convenient production method and the subsequent addition of manufacturing equipment specific to the Krispy Kreme brand of pastry, led to a growth spurt of more Krispy Kreme franchise opportunities and branches throughout the Southern states during the years between 1940 and 1950.

With Vernon Rudolph’s death in 1973, his dream was realized when all of his franchised stores held the same signature green roof and strictly penned brand name of Krispy Kreme visibly planted on each store front. Sales slowed slightly during this period as the sale of the Krispy Kreme brand was made to Beatrice foods at the end of 1976.

Recalling the efforts during the creation of the original Krispy Kreme shops, a small group of its employees including associates of the earliest franchises, gathered to buy back all of the stores from Beatrice foods. Their purchase was successful and a renewed effort was realized. The original inspiration of the Hot Glazed Doughnut came to the forefront again. Expanding from the South, Krispy Kreme opened its first northern store in New York City in 1996. California was next in 1999 and its Canadian roots have taken hold since December of 2001.

Krispy Kreme also has coffee shops opened in various locations. Krispy Kreme coffee shops offer the best tasting coffee, as well as the best tasting doughnuts. With fresh hot doughnuts and coffee made to perfection, there is nothing more satisfying. When you walk into one of these shops, you are instantly greeted with a smile and added to the Krispy Kreme family. The company highly values their consumers and does not look at them as a means of revenue, but rather another hungry customer to satisfy. Whether you are craving a well crafted cup of coffee, or a delicious fresh doughnut, Krispy Kreme Coffee shops is the place you need to be. You are guaranteed satisfaction when you enter into one of these many treat shops.

Fundraising Opportunities

Krispy Kreme offers fundraising opportunities for schools, churches and civic groups. Coupons may be found at local Krispy Kreme stores and online at various grocery coupon websites. Krispy Kreme is well known for their fundraisers with schools, church groups, and other small organizations. Boxes of Krispy Kreme doughnut orders are taken, and when the orders come in, the group is given a donation based on number of boxes sold. When the orders are filled, many people will give a donation to the group just because Krispy Kreme doughnuts are the world leading doughnut sellers. Krispy Kreme fundraisers are quick, easy, and always a favorite. Boxes of each flavor or a box of mixed flavors can be purchased. Whatever the fund-raising need, Krispy Kreme is sure to be a best seller.

Finding Promotional Krispy Kreme Deals, Discounts & Coupon Codes

Krispy Kreme coupons can be found in local shoppers, newspapers, or sales papers. Sometimes certain stores or treat shops will have on-site promotions or coupon giveaways for Krispy Kreme. Coupons can be printed from various websites and online grocery stores. KrispyKreme.com offers promotional gifts and printable coupons. Krispykremetexas.com offers birthday celebrations, printable coupons, and other promotional offers for Krispy Kreme. With coupons, there are savings of up to $3.00 off, buy one box get one free, or so many % off of the next purchase. Some boxes of Krispy Kreme doughnuts have coupons attached to them. With offers as great as these, the value of Krispy Kreme doughnuts tastes even sweeter.

Krispy Kreme has also been known to offer free donuts on July 4th, for good grads, and on birthdays. Ask your local Krispy Kreme which promotional deals they offer.