# Krispy Kreme

> American global doughnut company and coffeehouse chain

**Wikidata**: [Q1192805](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1192805)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krispy_Kreme)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/krispy-kreme

## Summary
Krispy Kreme is an American global doughnut company and coffeehouse chain founded in 1937, renowned for its signature glazed doughnuts and "Hot Light" system indicating fresh batches. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, it operates as a public company listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange (ticker: DNUT) and is a subsidiary of JAB Holding Company.

## Key Facts
- Founded on July 13, 1937, by Vernon Rudolph in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
- Headquarters: 370 Knollwood St., Winston-Salem, NC 27103, United States.
- Employees: 4,000 (as of 2011).
- Parent company: JAB Holding Company (since 2016).
- Publicly traded on Nasdaq (ticker: DNUT) since 2021; previously listed on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker: KKD) from 2000 to 2016.
- CEO: Josh Charlesworth (since January 2024).
- Legal form: Business Corporation.
- ISIN: US5010141043.
- VIAF ID: 155088143.
- Known for its proprietary yeast-based doughnut recipe and "Hot Light" system signaling fresh production.
- Operates in 38 countries globally (as of 2024).
- Products: Doughnuts, coffee, and seasonal items like pumpkin spice and holiday-themed treats.
- Archives held at the National Museum of American History.

## FAQs
**When was Krispy Kreme founded?**  
Krispy Kreme was founded on July 13, 1937.

**Who founded Krispy Kreme?**  
The company was founded by Vernon Rudolph, who acquired a secret yeast-based doughnut recipe.

**Is Krispy Kreme a public company?**  
Yes, Krispy Kreme is a public company listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker DNUT since 2021.

**Who owns Krispy Kreme?**  
Krispy Kreme is a subsidiary of JAB Holding Company, a Luxembourg-based investment firm.

**What is Krispy Kreme known for?**  
The brand is famous for its glazed doughnuts and the "Hot Light" system, which indicates when fresh doughnuts are available.

**Where is Krispy Kreme headquartered?**  
The company is headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States.

## Why It Matters
Krispy Kreme holds significant cultural and economic influence as a global leader in the fast-food and bakery industry. Its iconic glazed doughnuts and innovative "Hot Light" marketing strategy have created a loyal customer base and widespread brand recognition. As a public company, it contributes to market dynamics and investor portfolios, while its global expansion (38 countries as of 2024) reflects its adaptability and appeal across diverse markets. The brand’s endurance since 1937 and its ability to evolve—such as integrating coffee into its offerings—demonstrate its resilience in a competitive industry.

## Notable For
- **Signature Product**: Iconic glazed doughnuts made with a proprietary yeast-based recipe.
- **"Hot Light" System**: A neon sign introduced in the 1950s to signal fresh doughnuts, driving customer engagement.
- **Global Reach**: Operations in 38 countries, including the United States, Japan, Mexico, and South Korea.
- **Public Market History**: One of the first doughnut chains to go public (2000 IPO) and later relist on Nasdaq (2021).
- **Cultural References**: Featured in media such as *The Simpsons*, *Stranger Things*, and *The West Wing*.
- **Seasonal Innovation**: Popular limited-time offerings like pumpkin spice and holiday-themed doughnuts.

## Body

### History
Krispy Kreme was founded on July 13, 1937, by Vernon Rudolph in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Rudolph acquired a secret yeast-based doughnut recipe from a New Orleans chef, which became the cornerstone of the brand. The first store sold doughnuts in a distinctive blue-and-white packaging, and the "Hot Light" system was introduced in the 1950s to notify customers of fresh batches. The company expanded regionally across the southeastern United States before going public in 2000.

### Corporate Structure
- **IPOs**: First listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in 2000 under ticker KKD; delisted in 2016 after being acquired by JAB Holding Company. Relisted on Nasdaq in 2021 under ticker DNUT.
- **Parent Company**: JAB Holding Company, a Luxembourg-based investment firm with a portfolio including Caribou Coffee and Stumptown Coffee Roasters.
- **Stock Exchanges**: Traded on Nasdaq (primary) and previously on NYSE; ISIN: US5010141043.

### Operations
- **Headquarters**: 370 Knollwood St., Winston-Salem, NC 27103, United States (36.0911° N, -80.2873° W).
- **Global Presence**: Over 1,400 locations in 38 countries as of 2024, including company-owned and franchised stores.
- **Employees**: 4,000 staff reported in 2011, with growth driven by international expansion.

### Products and Services
- **Doughnuts**: Core product line featuring the Original Glazed® doughnut, made with a proprietary yeast-based dough requiring a 14-hour proofing process.
- **Coffee**: Introduced in the 2000s to compete with coffeehouse chains like Starbucks.
- **Seasonal Items**: Pumpkin Spice (fall), Christmas-themed treats, and collaborations (e.g., *Stranger Things* "Missing Eleven" doughnut in 2022).

### Cultural Impact and Recognition
- **"Hot Light" Legacy**: The neon sign system, modernized with mobile app notifications, drives foot traffic and brand loyalty.
- **Media Appearances**: Featured in TV shows (*The Simpsons*, *The West Wing*), films (*Austin Powers*), and music (e.g., referenced in songs by Drake and Nicki Minaj).
- **Archival Preservation**: Historical artifacts, including vintage mixers and signage, are archived at the National Museum of American History.

### Financial and Legal
- **Legal Entity**: Registered as a Business Corporation with LEI 549300SW1I7LNVBRTO38.
- **Revenue**: $1.38 billion in annual revenue (2023), primarily from franchising, retail sales, and product distribution.
- **Stock Performance**: Nasdaq listing (DNUT) marked a return to public markets after JAB Holding’s 2016 acquisition.

### Digital Presence
- **Website**: Primary site [krispykreme.com](https://krispykreme.com) (English), with localized versions for the UK, Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea.
- **Social Media**: Verified profiles on Twitter (@krispykreme), Instagram (@krispykreme), and TikTok (@krispykreme), with over 3.5 million followers on Facebook.

### Related Entities
- **Public Company**: Krispy Kreme’s status as a publicly traded entity (Nasdaq: DNUT) distinguishes it from private competitors like Dunkin’ Donuts (owned by Inspire Brands).
- **United States**: Founded and headquartered in the U.S., with Winston-Salem, North Carolina, serving as its operational base since 1937.
- **JAB Holding Company**: Acquired Krispy Kreme in 2016 for $1.35 billion, integrating it into a portfolio of global food and beverage brands.

### Awards and Legacy
- **Cultural Icon**: Named one of *Time Magazine*’s "20 Best Inventions of All Time" (2013) for its glazed doughnut.
- **Museum Recognition**: Featured in exhibits at the National Museum of American History and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
- **Global Adaptation**: Localized flavors in international markets, such as matcha doughnuts in Japan and durian flavor in Southeast Asia.

## References

1. [Source](https://moneymorning.com/2016/10/05/5-of-the-biggest-fads-stocks-from-the-2000s/)
2. [Source](https://www.ajc.com/news/krispy-kreme-goes-public-trading-as-dnut-on-nasdaq/LMNWRMD7JBCRFBRTLKMZOCKMUY/)
3. [Source](https://sova.si.edu/record/NMAH.AC.0594)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Global LEI Index
6. [Source](http://krispykreme.com/)
7. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Krispy_Kreme-8D6RJ)
8. Name Suggestion Index
9. [Krispy Kreme Careers and Employment | Indeed.com](https://sg.indeed.com/cmp/Krispy-Kreme)