Where did Krispy Kreme start?

The first Krispy Kreme bakery was opened by Vernon Rudolph in Winston-Salem, N.C. on July 13, 1937. The original yeast-based recipe for Krispy Kreme doughnuts was purchased by Rudolph from a New Orleans French chef and remains a closely guarded secret to this day.

The original Krispy Kreme bakery was intended to sell doughnuts only to local grocery stores. It was only after people passing by noticed the aroma and began inquiring inside about purchasing individual doughnuts that Rudolph made the decision to sell to the general public. Krispy Kreme is now an international retailer with over 500 stores in 22 markets.