Our History | Krispy Kreme

Proudly New Zealand

Krispy Kreme New Zealand is an exciting new chapter in the story of Krispy Kreme. We’re proud that Krispy Kreme doughnuts are made daily and so you’ll always know when we’re serving fresh and hot off the line, just look for the ‘Hot Now’ light.

What’s next? The sky’s the limit. With exciting new doughnut flavours always on the horizon, as well as fantastic new treats, like our new bagels,

Anything is Possible...

A Lucky Hand

Krispy Kreme’s story began in the 1930’s.

Legend has it that a young Vernon Rudolph, the man destined to be the ‘King of Krispy Kreme’ won the secret yeast raised doughnut recipe in a poker game with a French Chef in New Orleans. We’re not sure ourselves,
but it sure makes a great story.

1937 - A Hole in The Wall

As Vernon’s new business grew he expanded to Winston-Salem in North Carolina where he opened the first official Krispy Kreme store.

Originally a wholesaler, as demand for his delicious doughnuts grew, he saw the opportunity to create a retail business by cutting a hole in the building wall and selling direct to customers.

1940's - 50's - The Perfect Doughnut

As Krispy Kreme’s fame spread, so the number of stores grew. Vernon knew that customers would keep coming back if they were confident they’d always enjoy the same delicious taste, no matter where they bought his doughnuts.

So to ensure consistent excellence, Vernon developed the Krispy Kreme automatic doughnut cutter machine to deliver the perfect mix every time. This was the first prototype of the continuous yeast doughnut-making equipment you see today in our Factory stores. It’s this very cool machine that gives our doughnuts their perfect shape, day in day out.

1960's - 90's - Design of an Icon

The classic Krispy Kreme store with its hallmark green tile roof and heritage road signs first appeared in the ‘60’s. You can still see modern examples at our current Mascot, Liverpool, Penrith and Fountain Gates stores.

Sadly Vernon passed away in 1976 but his beloved Krispy Kreme still lives on today. As a testament to his vision, Krispy Kreme has earned its place as an American icon with many important company artefacts being featured in the collection of the Smithsonian’s Institute’s National Museum of American History.