Krispy Kreme opened its first doughnut shop in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in 1937.
Vernon Rudolph founded the company after acquiring a doughnut recipe and opening a shop in Winston-Salem. The business became known for yeast-raised doughnuts, especially the Original Glazed doughnut, and later developed a prominent franchise network.
The company’s early shops were designed not only as retail counters but also as production locations. The aroma and visibility of freshly made doughnuts became an important part of the customer experience and brand identity.
The year 1937 is sometimes confused with 1927, which is connected to an earlier company history and the creation of the Krispy Kreme brand story. The first shop itself opened in Winston-Salem in 1937.