Editing Krispy Kreme

{{Short description|American global doughnut company and coffee house chain}}
{{For|the rapper formerly known as Krispy Kreme|Froggy Fresh}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2015}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Krispy Kreme, Inc.
| image = Krispy Kreme Cannington, April 2022.jpg
| image_caption = Krispy Kreme in [[Cannington, Western Australia]]
| trade_name = Krispy Kreme
| logo = Logo.KrispyKreme.svg
| logo_size = 200px
| traded_as = {{ubl|{{NASDAQ|DNUT}}|[[Russell 2000]] component}}
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| founder = [[Vernon Rudolph]]
| founded = {{Start date and age| 1937|07|13}}
| location = [[Charlotte, North Carolina]], U.S.
| locations = 1,400<ref name="ibd-ipo-july2021" />
| area_served = Worldwide
| industry = [[Restaurant]]
| products = {{ubl
|Baked goods
|Frozen beverages
|Hot beverages
|Iced beverages
|Soft drinks
}}
| revenue = {{nowrap|{{decrease}} {{US$|1.627 billion|link=yes}} (2023)<ref name="2024 Annual Report">{{cite web |url=https://s202.q4cdn.com/983903322/files/doc_financials/2024/q4/647df1d9-1524-440c-a208-91157bd157b2.pdf |title=Krispy Kreme Donuts Inc. 2024 Annual Report|publisher=United States Securities and Exchange Commission |date=January 31, 2025 |access-date=March 24, 2025}}</ref>}}
| operating_income = {{decrease}} US$-8.725 million (2024)<ref name="2024 Annual Report"/>
| net_income = {{decrease}} US$3.095 million (2024)<ref name="2024 Annual Report"/>
| assets = {{decrease}} US$3.072 billion (2024)<ref name="2024 Annual Report"/>
| equity = {{decrease}} US$1.164 billion (2024)<ref name="2024 Annual Report"/>
| num_employees = 21,000 (December 29, 2024)
| owner = 
| website = {{URL|krispykreme.com}}
}}

'''Krispy Kreme, Inc.''' (previously '''Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc.''') is an American multinational [[doughnut]] company and [[List of coffeehouse chains|coffeehouse chain]]. Krispy Kreme was founded by [[Vernon Rudolph]] (1915–1973), who bought a yeast-raised recipe from a [[New Orleans]] chef, rented a building in 1937 in what is now historic [[Old Salem]] in [[Winston-Salem, North Carolina]], and began selling to local [[Grocery store|grocery stores.]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Krispy Kreme – About Us |url=http://www.krispykreme.com/about-us/history |access-date=December 24, 2012 |archive-date=January 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118081549/http://www.krispykreme.com/about-us/history |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Taylor|first=David A.|title=The History of the Doughnut|url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-history-of-the-doughnut-150405177/|access-date=2020-08-20|website=Smithsonian Magazine|language=en|archive-date=August 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813084145/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-history-of-the-doughnut-150405177/|url-status=live}}</ref> Steady growth preceded an ambitious expansion as a [[public company]] in the period 2000 to 2016, which ultimately proved unprofitable. In 2016, the company returned to private ownership under [[JAB Holding Company]], a private Luxembourg-based firm. In July 2021, Krispy Kreme became publicly traded again on the [[Nasdaq]].<ref name="ibd-ipo-july2021" /> The brand name is a [[sensational spelling|deliberate non-standard spelling]] of "crispy cream", for marketing effect.

==History==

=== Early years ===
[[File:Krispy Kreme logo.svg|right|thumb|The original logo of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. It is still used alternatively.]]
[[File:Krispy Kreme Plaque, Winston-Salem.jpg|left|thumb|upright|alt=Commemorating the original Krispy Kreme doughnut shop. Founded by Vernon Rudolph, July 13, 1937. 534 South Main Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Dedicated July 2012.|Plaque in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, that commemorates the first Krispy Kreme]]
In 1933, eighteen-year-old Vernon Rudolph, along with his brother Lewis Rudolph, began working for his uncle, Ishmael Armstrong, who owned a small general store in [[Paducah, Kentucky]], that sold a wide variety of goods, including its very popular doughnuts.<ref name="Chronicle">{{cite web|url=http://www.dukechronicle.com/articles/2003/10/22/hot-doughnuts-now-krispy-kreme-story|title=Hot Doughnuts Now: The Krispy Kreme Story|last=Carlitz|first=Ruth|date=October 21, 2003|website=[[Duke Chronicle|The Chronicle]]|access-date=October 20, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708112641/http://www.dukechronicle.com/articles/2003/10/22/hot-doughnuts-now-krispy-kreme-story|archive-date=July 8, 2015}}</ref> While the exact origin of the doughnut recipe remains partially a mystery, it is believed that Ishmael Armstrong was inspired by an Ohio River barge cook named Joseph LeBeouf who was famous for his light and fluffy doughnuts, which contained [[Potato doughnut|potatoes]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Chronicle" />

[[File:Krispyvan.jpg|right|thumb|Krispy Kreme delivery truck, circa 1939]]
The store struggled during the [[Great Depression]]. In 1934, Vernon and Ishmael decided to move to the larger city of [[Nashville, Tennessee]], where they hoped business would be better. The uncle and nephew focused solely on selling their doughnuts and opened "The Krispy Kreme Doughnut Company" in a rented store on Gallatin Road.<ref name="Chronicle" /> The shop did so well that Vernon's father, Plumie, also left Kentucky and moved to Nashville to help sell doughnuts. In 1937, Rudolph opened his own store, deciding on [[Winston-Salem, North Carolina]], for the location when he learned that his favorite cigarette company, [[Camel (cigarette)|Camel Cigarettes]], was headquartered in the small North Carolina city.<ref name="Chronicle" /> Rudolph primarily sold to convenience stores; however, he also sold hot doughnuts to individual customers who came during production time between midnight and 4 a.m.<ref name="Chronicle" /> The first store in North Carolina was located in a rented building at 534 South Main Street in Winston-Salem in what is now called historic [[Old Salem]]. The Krispy Kreme logo was designed by Benny Dinkins, a local architect. The first Krispy Kreme bakery outside the South opened in [[Akron, Ohio]], in 1939.

=== Growth ===
[[File:Krispy Kreme corporate headquarters.png|thumb|Krispy Kreme's former corporate headquarters in Winston-Salem, North Carolina]]
[[File:Krispy Kreme Corporate Offices.JPG|thumb|upright|Reception desk at Krispy Kreme corporate offices]]
Expansion occurred in the 1950s, including an early store in [[Savannah, Georgia]]. By the 1960s, Krispy Kreme was known throughout the [[Southeastern United States|Southeast]], and it began to expand into other areas. In 1976, Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation became a wholly owned [[subsidiary]] of [[Beatrice Foods]] of [[Chicago, Illinois]]. The headquarters for Krispy Kreme remained in Winston-Salem. A group of [[Franchising|franchisees]] purchased the corporation back from [[Beatrice Foods]] in 1982.
[[File:A_modern_Krispy_Kreme_shop_in_the_Winston-Salem_area.jpg|thumb|A modern Krispy Kreme shop in [[Clemmons, North Carolina]]]]
Krispy Kreme began another phase of rapid expansion in the 1990s, opening stores outside the southeastern United States where most of their stores were located. In December 2001, Krispy Kreme opened its first store outside the US in [[Mississauga]], [[Ontario]], Canada.<ref>{{cite news |date=2009-04-13 |title=Krispy Kreme Canada Trial Tests Private-Equity Disclosure Rules |work=Bloomberg |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a8mOHRchXI6s |access-date=March 8, 2017 |archive-date=October 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016222441/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a8mOHRchXI6s |url-status=live }}</ref> The minimum investment amount to open a Krispy Kreme franchise ranges from approximately $450,000 to above $4M.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Krispy Kreme |url=https://www.vettedbiz.com/listing/krispy-kreme/ |access-date=2022-09-01 |website=Vetted Biz |date=November 14, 2021 |language=en-US |archive-date=September 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901163630/https://www.vettedbiz.com/listing/krispy-kreme/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===IPO and accounting scandals===
On April 5, 2000, the corporation went [[Initial public offering|public]] on the [[NASDAQ]] at $21 using the [[ticker symbol]] KREM.<ref>[http://www.allbusiness.com/retail/retailers-food-beverage-stores-specialty/6519563-1.html] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100915232937/http://www.allbusiness.com/retail/retailers-food-beverage-stores-specialty/6519563-1.html|date=September 15, 2010}}</ref> On May 17, 2001, Krispy Kreme switched to the [[New York Stock Exchange]], with the ticker symbol KKD, which it carried until its private acquisition. The stock reached what would be its all-time high of $50 on the New York Stock Exchange in August 2003, a gain of 135 percent from its IPO price. For the fiscal year ending in February 2004, the company reported sales of $665.6 million and operating profits of $94.7 million from almost 400 stores (including international locations). The market initially considered the company as having "solid fundamentals, adding stores at a rapid clip and showing steadily increasing sales and earnings."<ref name="cfo" />

In May 2004, the company missed quarterly estimates for the first time and suffered its first loss as a public company. Chairman and CEO [[Scott Livengood]] attributed the poor results to the [[low-carbohydrate diet]] craze. This explanation was viewed with skepticism by analysts, as "blaming the [[Atkins diet]] for disappointing earnings carried a whiff of desperation",<ref name="cfo">{{cite journal |author=O'Sullivan, Kate |url=http://www.cfo.com/printable/article.cfm/4007436?f=options |title=Kremed! |via=CFO.com |date=2005-06-01 |access-date=2012-08-09 |journal=[[CFO Mag.]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115234101/http://www.cfo.com/printable/article.cfm/4007436?f=options |archive-date=January 15, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and as rival doughnut chain, [[Dunkin' Donuts]], has not suffered from the low-carb trend over the same compared period.<ref name="businessweek">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_02/b3915649.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050104053548/http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_02/b3915649.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 4, 2005 |title=Scott Livengood |magazine=Businessweek |date=2005-01-09 |access-date=2012-08-09}}</ref>

By 2005, the company's stock had lost 75-80 percent of its value, amid earnings declines, as well as an [[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission|SEC]] investigation over the company's alleged improper accounting practices.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.businessweek.com/investor/content/jan2005/pi20050119_0925_pi015.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050409092414/http://www.businessweek.com/investor/content/jan2005/pi20050119_0925_pi015.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 9, 2005 |title=The Holes in a Krispy Kreme Rally |magazine=Businessweek |access-date=2012-08-09}}</ref> A turnaround plan in December 2005 aimed to close unprofitable stores in order to avoid bankruptcy.<ref name="cfo" /><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/triad/stories/2006/01/02/story1.html?page=all |first=Mark |last=Tosczak |title=Slim down or melt down? Issues loom at Krispy Kreme |date=2006-01-02 |access-date=March 16, 2012 |archive-date=January 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117054510/http://www.bizjournals.com/triad/stories/2006/01/02/story1.html?page=all |url-status=live }}</ref>

Analysts suggested that Livengood had expanded the chain too rapidly after the [[Initial public offering|IPO]], which concentrated certain markets with too many stores.<ref name="businessweek" /> While this approach initially grew revenues and profits at the parent-company level, due to [[royalty payment]]s from new franchisees, this reduced the profitability of individual franchisees in the long run as they were forced to compete with one another. For the 2003-04 fiscal year, while the parent enjoyed a 15 percent increase in second-quarter revenues, same-store sales increased only a tenth of a percent. Krispy Kreme also had [[supermarket]]s and gas stations carry their doughnuts, which soon contributed up to half of the chain's sales, creating further market saturation as well as increasing competition to its franchisees. All this expansion devalued Krispy Kreme brand's novelty, by making the once-specialty doughnuts ubiquitous, particularly as the newer sales outlets required pre-made doughnuts as opposed to the ones made fresh in factory stores, which alienated brand devotees.<ref name="cfo" />

Besides royalty payments from new stores, the parent company also enjoyed significant profits by requiring franchisees to purchase mix and doughnut-making equipment from the parent's Krispy Kreme Manufacturing and Distribution (KKM&D) division. KKM&D earned $152.7 million in 2003, which made up 31 percent of sales, with a reported operating margin of 20 percent or higher, but these mark-ups were largely at the expense of its franchisees. By comparison, rival chain [[Dunkin' Donuts]] generally avoids selling equipment or materials to its franchisees which "keeps company and franchisee interests aligned", as well as having a royalty stream based on same-store sales.<ref name="cfo" />

Krispy Kreme has been accused of [[channel stuffing]] by franchisees, whose stores reportedly "received twice their regular shipments in the final weeks of a quarter so that headquarters could make its numbers".<ref name="cfo" /> The company was also dogged by questionable transactions and self-dealing accusations over the buybacks of franchisees, including those operated by company insiders.<ref name="businessweek" /> A report released in August 2005 singled out then-CEO Livengood and then-COO John W. Tate to blame for the accounting scandals, although it did not find that the executives committed intentional fraud.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/11/business/11place.html |work=The New York Times |first=Melanie |last=Warner |title=Report Details Some Failures That Hurt Krispy Kreme |date=2005-08-11 |access-date=February 19, 2017 |archive-date=September 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906071834/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/11/business/11place.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On March 4, 2009, the SEC issued a cease and desist order against Krispy Kreme for its actions inflating their revenues and engaging in illicit activities regarding the purchasing of its own stores to prop up revenues and setting up mechanisms to guarantee that it beat earnings estimates by $0.01, which eventually resulted in Krispy Kreme reducing net income over two years by over $10.5 million. In it, the SEC proposed remedial actions for Krispy Kreme to take.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/2009/34-59499.pdf|title=SEC Accounting and Auditing Enforcement|access-date=September 2, 2017|archive-date=August 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825195719/https://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/2009/34-59499.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Return to private ownership===
[[File:Krispy Kreme Flagship - Times Square (51493531342).jpg|thumb|Krispy Kreme shop open in Times Square, 2021]]
In May 2016, [[JAB Holding Company]], a German investment firm, announced that it made an offer to purchase the company for $1.35 billion over the following two months that would make the company privately owned.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-krispykreme-m-a-jab-idUSKCN0Y01EM JAB to take Krispy Kreme private for $1.35 billion] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603112057/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-krispykreme-m-a-jab-idUSKCN0Y01EM |date=June 3, 2016 }} Reuters, Retrieved May 10, 2016.</ref> The transaction closed on July 27, 2016. In December 2017, Krispy Kreme moved its corporate headquarters to [[Charlotte, North Carolina]]; while Winston-Salem retained the majority of operational departments and the Krispy Kreme Support Center.<ref name="South End">{{cite web |url=https://www.journalnow.com/business/krispy-kreme-has-chosen-corporate-site-in-charlotte-s-south/article_ce008996-e4cc-502b-869e-6a5ef807e01e.html |title=Krispy Kreme has chosen corporate site in Charlotte's South End |newspaper=[[Winston-Salem Journal]] |last=Craver |first=Richard |date=March 27, 2018 |access-date=January 14, 2019 |archive-date=November 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127015908/https://journalnow.com/business/krispy-kreme-has-chosen-corporate-site-in-charlotte-s-south/article_ce008996-e4cc-502b-869e-6a5ef807e01e.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Also in 2010, Krispy Kreme Express, a delivery service for businesses, began testing at the Battleground Avenue location in [[Greensboro, North Carolina]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www2.journalnow.com/business/2010/nov/22/krispy-kreme-tests-doughnut-delivery-service-ar-557872/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126212117/http://www2.journalnow.com/business/2010/nov/22/krispy-kreme-tests-doughnut-delivery-service-ar-557872/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-01-26 |title=Krispy Kreme tests doughnut-delivery service |last=Craver |first=Richard |work=[[Winston-Salem Journal]] |date=2010-11-22 |access-date=2010-11-23 }}</ref> In the early 2010s, the company began developing shops with tunnel ovens, which allow for an all-day "Hot Now" hot doughnut experience. On February 24, 2015, Krispy Kreme opened its 1,000th shop, in Kansas City, Kansas.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Stewart|first1=Matt|title=Krispy Kreme opens 1000th store in KCK|url=http://fox4kc.com/2015/02/24/krispy-kreme-opens-1000th-store-in-kck/|website=fox4kc.com|date=February 24, 2015|access-date=22 September 2015|archive-date=September 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919105306/http://fox4kc.com/2015/02/24/krispy-kreme-opens-1000th-store-in-kck/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2018, Krispy Kreme acquired bakery chain [[Insomnia Cookies]] at a $175mm enterprise value, which continues to operate independently.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nunes |first=Keith |title=JAB Holdings to Acquire Insomnia Cookies |url=https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/12187-jab-holding-to-acquire-insomnia-cookies |access-date=2021-07-23 |publisher=Food Business News |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505204910/https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/12187-jab-holding-to-acquire-insomnia-cookies |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Krispy Kreme Sells Majority Ownership Stake of Insomnia Cookies |url=https://investors.krispykreme.com/news/news-releases/news-details/2024/Krispy-Kreme-Sells-Majority-Ownership-Stake-of-Insomnia-Cookies/default.aspx |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=investors.krispykreme.com |language=en-US}}</ref> On August 25, 2020, the first Krispy Kreme vending machine was launched in North Carolina, featuring 3-packs of doughnuts available 24 hours a day.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Michael|last=Bartiromo|date=2020-08-21|title=Krispy Kreme location in North Carolina to feature 24-hour doughnut vending machine|language=en-US|work=Fox News|url=https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/krispy-kreme-north-carolina-doughnut-vending-machine|access-date=2020-09-01|archive-date=September 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901155651/https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/krispy-kreme-north-carolina-doughnut-vending-machine|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Going public again ===
In May 2021, Krispy Kreme confidentially filed for an initial public offering to once again go public.<ref name="ipo-may2021">{{Cite web |date=2021-05-04 |title=Krispy Kreme files for IPO, five years after going private |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/04/krispy-kreme-files-for-ipo-five-years-after-going-private.html |access-date=2021-05-05 |website=[[CNBC]] |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505183846/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/04/krispy-kreme-files-for-ipo-five-years-after-going-private.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The company went public again on the [[Nasdaq]] on July 1, 2021, under the name Krispy Kreme Inc.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://journalnow.com/business/local/hot-now-krispy-kreme-stock-symbol-to-be-dnut/article_493163fa-c2e5-11eb-bcef-47a170bcb7db.html|title=Hot now? Krispy Kreme owner unveils IPO plans|last=Craver|first=Richard|work=Winston-Salem Journal|date=June 1, 2021|access-date=June 2, 2021|archive-date=June 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601172126/https://journalnow.com/business/local/hot-now-krispy-kreme-stock-symbol-to-be-dnut/article_493163fa-c2e5-11eb-bcef-47a170bcb7db.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ibd-ipo-july2021">{{Cite news |last=Peters |first=Bill |date=2021-07-01 |title=Krispy Kreme Stock Jumps In Debut After IPO Prices Low |url=https://www.investors.com/news/krispy-kreme-ipo-pricing-due-doughnut-chain-eyes-post-pandemic-indulgence/ |access-date=2021-07-01 |website=[[Investors Business Daily]] |archive-date=December 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226065909/https://www.investors.com/news/krispy-kreme-ipo-pricing-due-doughnut-chain-eyes-post-pandemic-indulgence/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On March 26, 2024, Krispy Kreme and [[McDonald's]] announced a partnership where Krispy Kreme doughnuts would be gradually rolled out to all McDonald's locations nationwide by the end of 2026. This followed a successful [[test market]] experiment in [[Kentucky]]. Markets such as [[Pittsburgh]] and [[Columbus, Ohio]] were selling Krispy Kreme products at McDonald's by the end of 2024.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://investors.krispykreme.com/news/news-releases/news-details/2024/McDonalds-USA-and-Krispy-Kreme-Announce-Expanded-National-Partnership/default.aspx | title=McDonald's® USA and Krispy Kreme® Announce Expanded National Partnership }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/pittsburgh-area-mcdonalds-locations-will-be-among-first-have-krispy-kreme-doughnuts/TCYBBHWI6ZGJ5K63K7SIJJLCFA/ | title=Pittsburgh-area McDonald's locations will be among first to have Krispy Kreme doughnuts | date=March 27, 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nbc4i.com/news/u-s-world/krispy-kreme-doughnuts-heading-to-mcdonalds/ | title=Krispy Kreme doughnuts heading to McDonald's | work=NBC4 WCMH-TV | date=March 26, 2024 }}</ref>

In 2024, Krispy Kreme sold a majority stake of [[Insomnia Cookies]], to Verlinvest and Mistral Equity Partners, at a $350mm enterprise value.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Krispy Kreme Sells Majority Ownership Stake of Insomnia Cookies |url=https://investors.krispykreme.com/news/news-releases/news-details/2024/Krispy-Kreme-Sells-Majority-Ownership-Stake-of-Insomnia-Cookies/default.aspx |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=investors.krispykreme.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

==International operations==
{{Main|Krispy Kreme operations by country}}

[[File:List of Krispy Creme Locations 2021.png|thumb|{{legend|#017550|Current locations}}{{legend|#00C285|Former locations}}]]
The first Krispy Kreme store to open outside North America was in [[Penrith, New South Wales|Penrith]], [[New South Wales]], [[Australia]], part of metropolitan [[Sydney]].<ref>[http://www.bandt.com.au/news/5d/0c014b5d.asp American Krispy Kreme says PR is way to Australian stomachs] B&T online March 7, 2007. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100615021711/http://www.bandt.com.au/news/5d/0c014b5d.asp |date=June 15, 2010 }}</ref> The second Krispy Kreme store that was opened internationally was in the [[United Kingdom]] and was in [[Harrods]] department store [[London]]. It closed in June 2011. As of 2018, there are over 100 stand alone Krispy Kreme stores in the [[UK]], and a presence in 500 Tesco stores.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/krispy-kreme-to-open-100th-uk-store?ts=201708181509|title=Krispy Kreme to open 100th UK store|website=Insider Media Ltd|date=August 18, 2017 |language=en|access-date=2018-12-18|archive-date=April 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405064310/https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/krispy-kreme-to-open-100th-uk-store?ts=201708181509|url-status=live}}</ref> Besides the stores that Krispy Kreme operate in the United States and Canada, there are also locations in [[Egypt]], [[France]], [[United Kingdom]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], [[South Africa]], [[Lebanon]], [[Turkey]], [[India]], [[Dominican Republic]], [[Iceland]], [[Ireland]], [[Kuwait]], [[Guatemala]], [[Mexico]], [[Costa Rica]], [[Panama]], [[Russia]], [[Taiwan]], [[South Korea]], [[Malaysia]], [[Thailand]], [[Brazil]], [[Indonesia]], [[Philippines]], [[Japan]], [[Singapore]], [[Cambodia]], [[Jordan]], [[United Arab Emirates]], [[Qatar]], [[Saudi Arabia]], [[Bahrain]],<ref name="expand">{{cite news |url=http://www.news-record.com/content/2011/10/18/article/krispy_kreme_announces_expansion_plans |title=Krispy Kreme announces international expansion plans |work=[[News & Record]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=2011-10-18 |access-date=2011-10-18 |archive-date=April 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120405113952/http://www.news-record.com/content/2011/10/18/article/krispy_kreme_announces_expansion_plans |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Hong Kong]], [[Nigeria]], [[Ethiopia]] and [[Chile]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Krispy Kreme Chile opening press release |url=https://investors.krispykreme.com/news-releases/news-release-details/krispy-kremer-coming-chile-april-13th-2023/}}</ref>{{citation needed|date=October 2011}}

In August 2011, Krispy Kreme's [[Japan]] operation planned to increase the number of stores from 21 to 94, and its [[Mexico]] operation announced the number of stores would increase from 58 to 128 in five years. In the [[United Kingdom]], Krispy Kreme continues its expansion and had plans and funding in place to open further stores in 2012. In [[South Korea]], their first store opened on December 16, 2004, and celebrated their 100th store opening exactly ten years later, on December 16, 2014. As of September 2016, they hold the most stores in the Asia-Pacific region with 129 stores. Krispy Kreme opened its first store in [[India]] on January 19, 2013, in [[Bangalore]], [[Karnataka]]. The stores are operated by Citymax Hotels India under a franchise arrangement.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/CorporateNews/US-doughnut-major-Krispy-Kreme-forays-into-India/Article1-990591.aspx |title=US doughnut major Krispy Kreme forays into India |newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=2013-01-16 |access-date=2013-03-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122223304/http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/CorporateNews/US-doughnut-major-Krispy-Kreme-forays-into-India/Article1-990591.aspx |archive-date=January 22, 2013 }}</ref> On July 23, 2014, Krispy Kreme launched its first shop in [[Chennai]], India, at [[Express Avenue]] mall.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Krispy-Kreme-launches-doughnut-shop-in-Chennai/articleshow/38877173.cms |title=Krispy Kreme chennai |website=[[The Times of India]] |date=July 22, 2014 |access-date=2014-07-23 |archive-date=July 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730170618/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Krispy-Kreme-launches-doughnut-shop-in-Chennai/articleshow/38877173.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>[[File:KKAgora.JPG|right|thumb|A Krispy Kreme store in [[Santo Domingo]], [[Dominican Republic]], next to a [[Cinnabon]] store]]On September 25, 2013, Krispy Kreme announced the opening of 25 stores, all within 5 years, in [[Colombia]].<ref name="investor.krispykreme.com">{{cite news |url=http://investor.krispykreme.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=120929&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1857804&highlight= |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130925225023/http://investor.krispykreme.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=120929&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1857804&highlight= |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 25, 2013 |work=Krispy Kreme Press Release |title=Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation Signs First South American Development Agreement |date=2013-09-25 }}</ref> This marks the first [[South American]] country for the company. In October 2014, Krispy Kreme opened another store at [[Colombia]] in [[Bogotá]] and [[Chía, Cundinamarca]].<ref name="investor.krispykreme.com" /> On December 12, 2013, Krispy Kreme opened its first store in [[Taipei]], [[Taiwan]].

On May 18, 2015, Krispy Kreme announced it has signed a development agreement with KK Doughnuts SA (Pty) Ltd., to open 31 Krispy Kreme shops in [[South Africa]] over the next five years. This marked the company's first venture into [[Africa]].<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150518006671/en/Krispy-Kreme-Expand-Presence-Africa-Opening-31#.VV8OlqpdarW |title=Krispy Kreme to Expand its Presence to Africa By Opening 31 Shops in South Africa Over the Next Five Years |date=2015-05-18 |access-date=2015-05-22 |archive-date=July 31, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731231317/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150518006671/en/Krispy-Kreme-Expand-Presence-Africa-Opening-31#.VV8OlqpdarW |url-status=live }}</ref> On September 10, 2015, Krispy Kreme signed a development agreement with Agape Coral, SAC to open 24 shops over the next five years in [[Peru]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Krispy Kreme to Open Stores in Peru|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/krispy-kremes-signature-sweet-treats-coming-to-peru-2015-09-10|date=2015|access-date=September 10, 2015|archive-date=September 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912165131/http://www.marketwatch.com/story/krispy-kremes-signature-sweet-treats-coming-to-peru-2015-09-10|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 25, 2015, Krispy Kreme opened its first store in [[Rosebank, Gauteng|Rosebank]], [[Johannesburg, South Africa]]. On December 2, 2015, Krispy Kreme opened its largest store in the United Kingdom in [[Glasgow, Scotland]].

On May 5, 2016, Krispy Kreme opened their first store in [[Bangladesh]] at [[Banani Model Town|Banani]] in [[Dhaka]] and quietly left the country around 2020. On July 27, 2016, Krispy Kreme was acquired by [[JAB Holding Company|JAB Beech]]. Under the terms of the transaction, company shareholders received $21 per share in cash for each share they own. As a result of the completion of the acquisition, Krispy Kreme's common stock ceased trading on the [[New York Stock Exchange]]. On November 5, 2016, Krispy Kreme opened its first store in [[Kópavogur]], [[Iceland]].

On January 12, 2017, Krispy Kreme opened its first store in [[Panama City, Panama]].

On January 27, 2018, Krispy Kreme opened its first store in [[Guatemala City, Guatemala]]. On February 28, 2018, Krispy Kreme opened its first store in [[Manukau|Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11981672|title=Drive-through doughnuts! Krispy Kreme gears up to open its first New Zealand store|first=Aimee|last=Shaw|date=January 27, 2018|via=www.nzherald.co.nz|access-date=July 2, 2019|archive-date=May 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528085059/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11981672|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 10, 2018, Krispy Kreme opened its first store in [[Lagos, Nigeria|Ikeja City Mall, Lagos, Nigeria]]. On September 26, 2018, Krispy Kreme opened its first store in [[Dublin, Ireland]], which has since become the most profitable store worldwide.<ref>{{cite news |title=Behind the scenes at Krispy Kreme Dublin, the firm's most profitable shop worldwide |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/food-and-drink/behind-the-scenes-at-krispy-kreme-dublin-the-firm-s-most-profitable-shop-worldwide-1.4031118 |newspaper=The Irish Times |publisher=The Irish Times Ltd. |access-date=6 October 2019 |archive-date=October 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003234626/https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/food-and-drink/behind-the-scenes-at-krispy-kreme-dublin-the-firm-s-most-profitable-shop-worldwide-1.4031118 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On May 13, 2023, Krispy Kreme opened its first store in [[Costa Rica]].{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} It expanded to France in December 2023 with its first [[Paris]] store, which is expected to make 45,000 doughnuts per day. The company's menu was tweaked to appeal to French customers, including a gingerbread flavored doughnut.<ref>{{cite news |last=Alderman |first=Liz |date=December 7, 2023 |title=Hot Glazed Doughnuts on the Menu, and Parisians Can't Get Enough |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/07/business/krispy-kreme-paris-fast-food.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=December 9, 2023 |archive-date=August 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240825080811/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/07/business/krispy-kreme-paris-fast-food.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On August 9, 2024, Krispy Kreme opened its first store in [[Morocco]].<ref>{{cite news |date=August 6, 2024 |title=Krispy Kreme expands into Morocco with new store opening |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/krispy-kreme-expands-morocco-store-091624358.html |work=[[Yahoo Finance]] |access-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-date=August 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240825080812/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/krispy-kreme-expands-morocco-store-091624358.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Products ==
[[File:Krispy Kreme Doughnuts by Japan Line-Up (Tachikawa LUMINE Shop).jpg|left|thumb|An assortment of doughnuts on display in a shop in Tachikawa, Tokyo]]
[[File:Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.JPG|right|thumb|Krispy Kreme doughnuts]]On February 19, 2007, Krispy Kreme began selling the Whole Wheat Glazed doughnut in an attempt to appeal to the health conscious. The doughnut has nearly the same number of calories as the original glazed doughnut (180 calories vs. 190 calories) but contains more fiber (2&nbsp;grams vs. 0.5&nbsp;grams). As of January 2008, the [[trans fat]] content of all Krispy Kreme doughnuts was reduced to 0.5 of a gram or less. The [[Food and Drug Administration|U.S. Food and Drug Administration]], in its guidelines, allows companies to round up to 1&nbsp;g in its [[nutrition facts label]] when the food contains as much as 0.5 of a gram per serving. Krispy Kreme benefited from this regulatory rule in its subsequent advertising campaign, touting its doughnuts as "trans fat-free" and having "0 grams trans fat!".<ref name="Reuters">{{cite news |date=2008-01-07 |title=Krispy Kreme's Entire Menu: Zero Grams Trans Fat |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS120625+07-Jan-2008+PRN20080107/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112152917/https://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS120625%2B07-Jan-2008%2BPRN20080107 |archive-date=January 12, 2008}}</ref>

On July 1, 2010, Krispy Kreme introduced a doughnut that included the [[soft drink]] [[Cheerwine]], which was to be sold in grocery stores in [[North Carolina|North]] and [[South Carolina]] during July.<ref>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Shelley |date=2010-07-01 |title=Cheerwine filled doughnuts are a hit |work=[[Salisbury Post]] |url=http://www.salisburypost.com/News/070110-Cheerwine-qcd |url-status=dead |access-date=2010-07-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704032919/http://www.salisburypost.com/News/070110-Cheerwine-qcd |archive-date=July 4, 2010 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The doughnuts proved so popular that the [[Salisbury, North Carolina]], Krispy Kreme location (the town where Cheerwine is made) sold them as well.<ref>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Shelley |date=2010-07-02 |title=Cheerwine doughnuts now at Krispy Kreme |work=[[Salisbury Post]] |url=http://www.salisburypost.com/News/070210-Krispy-Kreme-cheerwine-in-salisbury-qcd |url-status=dead |access-date=2010-07-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100705102829/http://www.salisburypost.com/News/070210-Krispy-Kreme-cheerwine-in-salisbury-qcd |archive-date=July 5, 2010}}</ref> After July 31, this was the only place to get them.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jenkins |first=Scott |date=2010-07-31 |title=Cheerwine doughnut now only in Salisbury |work=[[Salisbury Post]] |url=http://www.salisburypost.com/News/073110-cheerwine-kremes-only-in-salisbury-qcd |url-status=dead |access-date=2010-07-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100802143822/http://www.salisburypost.com/News/073110-cheerwine-kremes-only-in-salisbury-qcd |archive-date=August 2, 2010 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The Cheerwine Kreme doughnut returned for July 2011 and made its debut in [[Tennessee]] and [[Roanoke, Virginia]].<ref>{{cite news |date=2011-06-30 |title=Cheerwine Krispy Kremes return |work=Salisbury Post |url=http://www.salisburypost.com/News/063011-WEB-krispy-kreme-cheerwines-are-back-qcd |url-status=dead |access-date=2011-07-01 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909020719/http://www.salisburypost.com/News/063011-WEB-krispy-kreme-cheerwines-are-back-qcd |archive-date=September 9, 2012 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>[[File:Krispy Kreme donuts (stabilized).ogv|thumb|220px|Krispy Kreme doughnuts being prepared ([[:File:Krispy Kreme donuts (stabilized).ogv|high quality]])|thumbtime=72]]On May 25, 2017, Krispy Kreme doughnut-flavored [[Jelly Belly]] jelly beans were announced.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jelly Belly Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Collection |url=https://csnews.com/jelly-belly-krispy-kreme-doughnuts-collection |access-date=2020-09-03 |website=Convenience Store News |date=August 20, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=September 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919223306/https://csnews.com/jelly-belly-krispy-kreme-doughnuts-collection |url-status=live }}</ref>

On August 5, 2019, Krispy Kreme released two new [[Reese's Peanut Butter Cups|Reese's]]-branded "chocolate lovers" and "peanut butter lovers" doughnuts to the public.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Molina |first=Brett |title=Krispy Kreme is rolling out Reese's filled doughnuts |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/08/06/krispy-kreme-serving-reeses-filled-doughnuts-week/1930403001/ |access-date=2019-08-06 |website=USA Today |language=en |archive-date=August 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806160206/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/08/06/krispy-kreme-serving-reeses-filled-doughnuts-week/1930403001/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In July 2020, Krispy Kreme launched several candy-coated doughnuts with [[Nerds (candy)|Nerds]], [[Jelly Belly|Jelly Belly jelly beans]], sour gummies, and [[marshmallow]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-07-14 |title=Krispy Kreme Has New Candy-Topped Donuts |url=https://kluv.radio.com/blogs/sybil/krispy-kreme-has-new-candy-topped-donuts |access-date=2020-09-03 |website=98.7 KLUV |language=en |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020040139/https://kluv.radio.com/blogs/sybil/krispy-kreme-has-new-candy-topped-donuts |url-status=live }}</ref>

Krispy Kreme introduced a seasonal Pumpkin Spice Doughnut Collection in September 2020 with four flavors: 1) Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed Doughnut, 2) Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnut, 3) Pumpkin Spice Original Filled Cheesecake Doughnut, and 4) Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Doughnut.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Krispy Kreme Unveils Pumpkin Spice Doughnut Collection |url=https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/krispy-kreme-unveils-pumpkin-spice-doughnut-collection |access-date=2020-09-07 |website=QSR magazine |date=September 2020 |language=en |archive-date=September 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903175941/https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/krispy-kreme-unveils-pumpkin-spice-doughnut-collection |url-status=live }}</ref>

During [[Veganuary]] in January 2021, [[Krispy Kreme UK]] launched its Original Glazed vegan doughnut.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schroeder |first=Eric |date=2020-12-22 |title=Krispy Kreme to offer vegan glazed donut in the UK |url=https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/17548-krispy-kreme-to-offer-vegan-glazed-donut-in-the-uk |work=Food Business News |access-date=January 9, 2024 |archive-date=January 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109161638/https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/17548-krispy-kreme-to-offer-vegan-glazed-donut-in-the-uk |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2021, Krispy Kreme UK launched three more vegan doughnut flavors, Fudge Brownie Bliss, Caramel Choc Delight, and Apple Custard Crumble.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fresen |first=Natalie |date=2021-12-23 |title=Krispy Kreme UK to debut vegan doughnuts in time for Veganuary {{!}} Retail Bulletin |url=https://www.theretailbulletin.com/food-and-drink/krispy-kreme-uk-to-debut-vegan-doughnuts-in-time-for-veganuary-23-12-2021/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Retail Bulletin {{!}} Daily UK Retail News |language=en |archive-date=January 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109161638/https://www.theretailbulletin.com/food-and-drink/krispy-kreme-uk-to-debut-vegan-doughnuts-in-time-for-veganuary-23-12-2021/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2024, the Dolly Southern Sweets Doughnuts Collection included four new flavors available for a limited time in restaurants and some grocery stores—Dolly Dazzler, Peachy Keen Cobbler, Banana Puddin' Pie and Chocolate Creme Pie. Inspired by [[Dolly Parton]], the flavors were the company's first inspired by a celebrity.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Craver |first=Richard |date=2024-05-16 |title=Krispy Kreme launches Dolly Parton-inspired doughnut flavors |work=[[Winston-Salem Journal]]  |url=https://journalnow.com/news/local/business/krispy-kreme-launches-dolly-parton-inspired-doughnut-flavors/article_51dbb1c8-12fa-11ef-8e46-a7eb87a09f6e.html/}}</ref>

== Promotions ==
[[File:NASCAR 88 Earnhardt Jr., Gordon RIR-2 (29507869642) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Krispy Kreme sponsorship on a NASCAR vehicle]]

Although based on informal advertising such as word-of-mouth, in 2006, Krispy Kreme moved into television and radio advertisements, beginning with its "Share the Love" campaign with heart-shaped doughnuts.<ref>{{cite web |title=Krispy Kreme using TV, radio to sell treats |date=February 2, 2006 |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna11144425 |publisher=[[MSN]] |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306103550/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/11144425/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Since 1955, the company has offered fundraising kits for organizations to sell boxes of doughnuts; Krispy Kreme would then split the proceeds with the organizations to raise funds for various causes.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tolley |first=John |date=January 22, 2023 |title=Krispy Kreme's Latest Deal Is Another Reason To Hope For Lower Gas Prices |url=https://www.tastingtable.com/829049/krispy-kremes-latest-deal-is-another-reason-to-hope-for-lower-gas-prices/ |work=[[Tasting Table]] |access-date=December 9, 2023}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=December 2023}}

In 2014, Krispy Kreme released a $1,685 doughnut as part of fundraising efforts for [[The Children's Trust]]. It was covered with 24-[[karat]] gold and was decorated with edible [[diamond]]s. The inside was made from [[Dom Pérignon]] champagne jelly.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-08 |title=10 Most Expensive Ice Creams In The World |url=https://thehumblerich.com/10-most-expensive-ice-creams-in-the-world/ |access-date=2019-10-29 |website=TheHumbleRich |language=en-US |archive-date=October 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029144546/https://thehumblerich.com/10-most-expensive-ice-creams-in-the-world/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In March 2021, Krispy Kreme announced that they were providing a free Original Glazed doughnut every day (except [[Thanksgiving Day]] & [[Christmas Day]]) for the rest of that year to customers in the US who could prove they have received a [[COVID-19 vaccine]].<ref>{{cite news |date=22 March 2021 |title=Krispy Kreme offers free glazed donut to those who get Covid vaccine |language=en |work=NBC News |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/krispy-kreme-offers-free-glazed-donut-those-who-show-covid-n1261768 |access-date=3 April 2021 |archive-date=April 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210405015316/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/krispy-kreme-offers-free-glazed-donut-those-who-show-covid-n1261768 |url-status=live }}</ref> Multiple physicians criticized this move, with former Baltimore health commissioner [[Leana Wen]] tweeting that a person who ate a doughnut every day without making other lifestyle changes could gain 15 pounds by the end of the year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 24, 2021 |first=Mary |last=Meisenzahl |title=Krispy Kreme free doughnuts spark strange debate on Twitter |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/krispy-kreme-free-doughnuts-covid-vaccine-controversy-twitter-obesity-2021-3 |access-date=2021-04-07 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=March 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210328181647/https://www.businessinsider.com/krispy-kreme-free-doughnuts-covid-vaccine-controversy-twitter-obesity-2021-3 |url-status=live }}</ref> Others criticized the physicians: Elyse Resch, a nutrition therapist, wrote: "It's an oppression. Weight stigma, fat-shaming, [[Social stigma of obesity|fatphobia]] – it's oppressive, like every other oppression in the world. And it's so wrong. We all deserve to have satisfaction in our eating, and having a doughnut is a delicious thing."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Haupt |first=Angela |title=Krispy Kreme's 'sweet' vaccine promotion leads to bitter Twitter war |language=en-US |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/krispy-kreme-free-doughnut-vaccine/2021/03/25/3662706e-8d72-11eb-a6bd-0eb91c03305a_story.html |access-date=2021-04-07 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=March 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327124133/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/krispy-kreme-free-doughnut-vaccine/2021/03/25/3662706e-8d72-11eb-a6bd-0eb91c03305a_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In response to the criticisms, Krispy Kreme said, "Like many sweet treats, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts are an occasional indulgence best enjoyed in moderation. And we know that's how most of our guests enjoy our doughnuts. We're certainly not asking people to get a free Original Glazed doughnut every day, we're just making it available through the end of the year, especially given that not every group is eligible to get vaccinated yet."

== Controversies ==

=== Owner's use of forced labour in Nazi Germany ===

Owning the [[controlling stake]] in Krispy Kreme Doughnuts as well as [[Insomnia Cookies]] and [[Pret A Manger]] (amongst other brands), one of the wealthiest families in Germany admitted in 2019 that they profited from [[forced labour]] during [[World War II]].<ref name="smithsonian">{{cite web |title=German Family That Owns Krispy Kreme Admits It Profited From Nazi Ties |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/german-family-owns-krispy-kreme-admits-it-profited-nazi-ties-180971806/ |website=Smithsonian Magazine |access-date=August 6, 2024 |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806200318/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/german-family-owns-krispy-kreme-admits-it-profited-nazi-ties-180971806/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[New York Times]] reported that the two men who ran the family business in the 1930s and 1940s - Albert Reimann Sr. and his son Albert Reimann Jr. - actively participated in the abuse of their workers.<ref name="nytimes">{{cite news |title=Germany's Second-Richest Family Discovers a Dark Nazi Past |work=The New York Times |date=March 25, 2019 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/25/world/europe/nazi-laborers-jab-holding.html |access-date=August 6, 2024 |archive-date=May 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528013306/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/25/world/europe/nazi-laborers-jab-holding.html |url-status=live |last1=Bennhold |first1=Katrin }}</ref>

The German newspaper [[Bild]] originally published the story, based on an interim report by an economic historian at the University of Munich, Paul Erker - who was hired by the Reimann family to investigate their involvement with the [[Nazi Party]].<ref name="bild">{{cite web |title=33 Milliarden Euro reich: Die Nazi-Vergangenheit der Calgon-Familie |url=https://www.bild.de/bild-plus/politik/inland/politik-inland/33-milliarden-euro-reich-die-nazi-vergangenheit-der-calgon-familie-60835802,view=conversionToLogin.bild.html |website=Bild | date=March 26, 2019 |access-date=August 6, 2024 |archive-date=August 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240825081245/https://www.bild.de/bild-plus/politik/inland/politik-inland/33-milliarden-euro-reich-die-nazi-vergangenheit-der-calgon-familie-60835802.bild.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The family's spokesman and a managing partner of [[JAB Holding Company]], which the Reimanns control - Peter Harf - told [[Deutsche Welle]], “Reimann Sr. and Reimann Jr. were guilty. The two businessmen have passed away, but they actually belonged in prison.”<ref name="dw">{{cite web |title=German billionaire family to donate $11M over Nazi past |url=https://www.dw.com/en/german-billionaire-family-to-donate-11m-over-nazi-past/a-48047693 |website=Deutsche Welle |access-date=August 6, 2024 |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806200704/https://www.dw.com/en/german-billionaire-family-to-donate-11m-over-nazi-past/a-48047693 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Erker's report concluded that Reimann Sr. and Reimann Jr. were virulent anti-Semites and keenly supported the [[Nazi Party]], with Reimann Sr. donating to the [[SS]] in 1931, two years before [[Hitler]] was appointed chancellor of Germany.<ref name="dw" /> In addition to employing forced laborers in their private villa, their industrial chemicals factory in Germany employed forced laborers including Nazi-deportees from Russia and Eastern Europe, as well as [[prisoners of war]] from France.<ref name="smithsonian" /> A third of their workforce, around 175 forced workers, produced items for the German army, states the [[Agence France-Presse|AFP]] news agency.<ref name="busstd">{{cite web |title=German billionaire family admits to Nazi past |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/german-billionaire-family-admits-to-nazi-past-119032400541_1.html |website=Business Standard |access-date=August 6, 2024 |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806201303/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/german-billionaire-family-admits-to-nazi-past-119032400541_1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> As reported by the [[New York Times]], workers were beaten, and women were made to stand naked, and if they refused were sexually assaulted.<ref name="nytimes" />

Director of the [[Leibniz Institute|Leibniz Institute for Contemporary History]], Andreas Wirsching, said that Reimann Sr. and Reimann Jr. were unusual in their direct participation in the abuse of workers. “It was very common for companies to use forced laborers—but it was not common for a company boss to be in direct and physical contact with these forced laborers,” Wirsching said.<ref name="nytimes" />

As reported by [[Deutsche Welle]], due to the successors' findings about their family's Nazi past, the Reimanns pledged to donate $11 million to institutions helping victims and families of [[forced labour]]ers.<ref name="dw" /> The report includes a statement from Harf to Bild saying “We were ashamed and white as sheets. There is nothing to gloss over. These crimes are disgusting.”<ref name="bild" /><ref name="irishtimes">{{cite news |title=The Nazi past of the people who bring you Krispy Kreme |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/manufacturing/the-nazi-past-of-the-people-who-bring-you-krispy-kreme-1.3928473 |newspaper=The Irish Times |access-date=August 6, 2024 |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806202940/https://www.irishtimes.com/business/manufacturing/the-nazi-past-of-the-people-who-bring-you-krispy-kreme-1.3928473 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[The Boston Globe]] published an article about it headlined, “I found out Nazi money is behind my favorite coffee. Should I keep drinking it?”<ref name="bostonglobe">{{cite web |title=I found out Nazi money is behind my favorite coffee. Should I keep drinking it? |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2019/06/04/peet-coffee-wake-call/XrJtIiY5MPYCycCGxglaSK/story.html |website=The Boston Globe |access-date=August 6, 2024 |archive-date=August 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240825081246/https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2019/06/04/peet-coffee-wake-call/XrJtIiY5MPYCycCGxglaSK/story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Krispy Kreme Klub Wednesday  ===
In February 2015, a Krispy Kreme branch in [[Kingston upon Hull]], [[England]], announced during the [[Half term|half-term break]] of schools that it was launching, among other events that week, "Krispy Kreme Klub Wednesday", during which children could decorate doughnuts. However, it attracted controversy after it was promoted as "KKK Wednesday" on [[Facebook]], due to it sharing an abbreviation with the [[Ku Klux Klan]], an American [[white supremacist]] [[terrorist]] group. Krispy Kreme promptly apologized, canceled the event, pulled all marketing relating to it, and launched an internal investigation.<ref>{{cite news |title=Krispy Kreme store in UK withdraws 'KKK Wednesdays' Facebook ad |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/feb/17/hull-krispy-kreme-kkk-wednesdays-promotion |access-date=11 October 2023 |website=The Guardian |date=February 17, 2015 |last1=Gabbatt |first1=Adam }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=17 February 2015 |title=Krispy Kreme's KKK Wednesday is the most racist way to enjoy doughnuts this half term |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/krispy-kreme-s-kkk-wednesday-is-the-most-racist-way-to-enjoy-doughnuts-this-half-term-10051027.html |access-date=11 October 2023 |website=The Independent |archive-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019015339/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/krispy-kreme-s-kkk-wednesday-is-the-most-racist-way-to-enjoy-doughnuts-this-half-term-10051027.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Little |first=Katie |date=2015-02-17 |title=Oops: Krispy Kreme sparks outrage for 'KKK' event |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/02/17/opps-krispy-kreme-sparks-outrage-for-kkk-event.html |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=CNBC |language=en |archive-date=August 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240825081248/https://www.cnbc.com/2015/02/17/opps-krispy-kreme-sparks-outrage-for-kkk-event.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of doughnut shops]]
* [[List of coffeehouse chains]]
* [[List of companies involved in the Holocaust]]
{{Portal bar|Companies|Food|United States}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Commons category-inline}}
* {{Official website}}
{{Finance links
| name = Krispy Kreme, Inc.
| symbol = DNUT
| reuters = DUNT.O
| bloomberg = DNUT:US
| sec_cik = 1857154
| yahoo = DNUT
| google = DNUT
}}

{{Fast-food chains of the United States}}
{{Food chains in Australia}}
{{Food chains in Japan}}
{{Food chains in the Philippines}}
{{Food chains in South Korea}}
{{Food chains in Taiwan}}
{{Retailers in New Zealand}}
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