Krispy Kreme

There's something almost magical about walking into a Krispy Kreme when that Hot Light is on. You know the one-that glowing beacon that basically screams "fresh doughnuts happening right now." Krispy Kreme, Inc. is an American multinational doughnut company and coffeehouse chain founded by Vernon Rudolph in 1937, and honestly, they've been perfecting that melt-in-your-mouth experience for nearly 90 years.

What makes Krispy Kreme different isn't just the doughnuts-though let's be real, their iconic Original Glazed® doughnut is universally recognized for its hot-off-the-line, melt-in-your-mouth experience. It's the whole theater of it. You can actually watch the doughnuts being made through those big windows, rolling down the conveyor belt like sweet little soldiers. Kids press their faces against the glass, and adults do too, if we're being honest.

The company has had quite the journey. Steady growth preceded an ambitious expansion as a public company in the period 2000 to 2016, which ultimately proved unprofitable. In 2016, the company returned to private ownership under JAB Holding Company. But they bounced back, and now Krispy Kreme operates in more than 40 countries through its unique network of fresh doughnut shops, partnerships with leading retailers, and a rapidly growing digital business with more than 17,500 fresh points of access.

Here's what's kind of brilliant about their strategy: they're everywhere without being everywhere, if that makes sense. You'll find Krispy Kreme doughnuts in gas stations, grocery stores, and even McDonald's now. But there's still something special about going to an actual Krispy Kreme shop. The smell hits you before you even walk in the door.

And let's talk about that Original Glazed for a second. It's basically the gold standard of doughnuts-light, airy, with just enough glaze to make your fingers slightly sticky. One Original Glazed doughnut contains 190 calories, which honestly isn't terrible for what amounts to a small piece of heaven.

The brand has this interesting dual personality. On one hand, they're this nostalgic, almost old-fashioned American institution. On the other, they're constantly innovating with seasonal flavors and limited-time offerings that get people genuinely excited. Social media goes crazy every time they announce something new.