Krispy Kreme

It's not exactly the same small-time Mom & Pop doughnut shop that it once was, but chat with a few Raleigh locals since the 1940s and they will tell you a thing or two about what has become the now iconic Krispy Kreme. There’s just something about spying through the glassed window to watch the Krispy Kreme signature doughnut making process that brings a smile to the 5 year old child and the 75 year old alike.

No doubt, memories are associated with eating a Krispy Kreme doughnut and gleefully donning the simple white paper hat while enjoying some glazed decadence.  Those feelings of nostalgia have been accumulated and passed down for generations since the original Krispy Kreme made its first batch of glazed doughnuts in 1937 a couple of hours down the road in Winston-Salem, NC.

Raleigh’s longstanding history with Krispy Kreme came two short years later in 1939 with the opening of KK’s first location on Person Street., followed by a move to bigger and better several lots over in 1971 to the corner of Person Street and Peace Street.  Here, the Triangle area “hub” still operates today.  Out of that green roofed building goes countless batches of doughy goodness to area grocery stores and surrounding area Krispy Kreme locations including the nearby Fayetteville St. location on City Plaza, the Knightdale location, and the soon to open Wake Forest shop.

You can’t miss the giant, heritage Krispy Kreme road sign, actually designated as an historical landmark.  And like a beacon in the night, the fluorescent red “Hot Now” sign on the front of the building burns brightly tempting those in the mood for a fresh, hot doughnut right off the conveyor belt.  In fact, Krispy Kreme loyalists were tested just months ago when the Person St. location closed temporarily for renovations.  But, like a moth to a flame, forty-five days later, once the “Hot Now” sign was again illuminated on June 1, a crowd lined up for their share of a dozen glazed.   

On any given day, it’s likely you’ll encounter a visitor to Raleigh experiencing a “Hot Now” freshly made Krispy Kreme doughnut for the first time.  In contrast, it’s also a safe bet that if you struck up conversation with the diner sitting beside you at one of the interior tables, they’d tell you they’ve been visiting that same Krispy Kreme location for years.  For some it’s the sweet smell of the doughnuts that triggers pleasurable memories from years gone by, like the patron that shared stories of her weekly visits to the KK on Fridays after a long week of classes attended at nearby Peace College decades ago.  For others, like the young father who takes his son to KK for one sweet treat every Sunday --just like he remembers his dad doing with him -- it’s the simple fact that something within our region’s expanding growth remains a touchstone of timeless, recognizable goodness that has in most part been preserved. 

Coming up, July 13th marks the 73rd birthday for Krispy Kreme.  Remember that just in case you need a reason to go and celebrate with a doughnut!                 

HelloRaleigh Tip:  In case you are wondering when you can catch the “Hot Now” sign aglow, stop by 6am-11am or 6pm-11pm for some freshly made glazed.  Other times throughout the day, they’re busy producing cream and jelly filled deliciousness and other selections.

- by Angela Risko, Raleigh Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Angela Risko

Angela Risko is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Formerly in Miami/Ft. Lauderdale and Manhattan specializing in the film industry, additionally, she has developed multimedia content for the retail sector. A media relations professional and freelance writer, she believes inside everyone is a story worth telling. Angela is based in Raleigh with a concentration on lifestyle, culture, and human interest profiles.