Home History A Sweet Story and its New Orleans Connection

A Sweet Story and its New Orleans Connection

by The 100 Companies

During the Great Depression, life was hard for everyone, and Vernon Rudolph was no exception. But at least he had a job helping his Kentucky uncle run his store.

Like many rural general stores, it featured numerous products, including a unique-tasting doughnut made from a secret New Orleans yeast recipe. The uncle wanted Vernon to sell the doughnuts door-to-door. But, Vernon had other ideas.

Along with two partners, Vernon settled in his wife’s hometown of Winston-Salem. He first sold doughnuts out of a 1936 Pontiac and then opened his first store.

He called it Krispy Kreme.

Ron Smith, The North Carolina 100

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