Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. is a company that specializes in the production and distribution of doughnuts and sweet coffee drinks. The company was founded on July 13th, 1937 by Vernon Rudolph in Winston-Salem North Carolina. The founders family still owns the business to this day which has led to Krispy Kreme becoming one of America's most recognized brands worldwide with locations across 23 countries including Australia, Canada, China (Hong Kong), Colombia, Dominican Republic, France (Paris), Germany (Berlin), Guatemala, Honduras Malaysia Mexico (Mexico City) New Zealand Panama Paraguay Peru Portugal Puerto Rico Russia Singapore Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan United Arab Emirates Uganda United Kingdom Uruguay Venezuela Vietnam
The founder of Krispy Kreme doughnut shop, Vernon Rudolph didn't intend to sell his doughnuts to the public. He originally wanted to make his doughnuts exclusively for local grocery stores in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. However, after a chance meeting with Sherwood Egbert, who was the general sales manager of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company at that time; Rudolph decided to sell his doughnuts to the general public.
On July 13th, 1937, Rudolph and Egbert came together to open Krispy Kreme's very first store at East 5th Street in Winston-Salem. During that time, the company only sold their original glazed doughnut for just five cents per dozen. The store was an instant success and it wasn't long until the two decided to go into business. This first Krispy Kreme location was originally called "Little Donut Shop." It didn't take long for the news of their doughnuts spread. In 1939, Rudolph achieved his goal of being able to open a second store that was larger than his original one located at East 5th Street. This second location was given the name of "Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation."
In December 2012, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. reported that it has plans to expand their business to over 30 countries within the next five years