Who Owns Krispy Kreme?
Krispy Kreme is a public company traded on the Nasdaq as DNUT. JAB Holding, which took it private in 2016, remains its largest shareholder.
Krispy Kreme ownership history
Vernon Rudolph opened the first Krispy Kreme in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1937. The company was owned by Beatrice Foods in the 1970s, bought back by franchisees in 1982 and later went public.
| Year | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1937 | Vernon Rudolph opens Krispy Kreme in Winston-Salem |
| 1976 | Beatrice Foods buys the company |
| 1982 | A group of franchisees buys it back |
| 2000 | Krispy Kreme goes public |
| 2016 | JAB Holding takes it private |
| 2021 | Krispy Kreme returns to the stock market as DNUT |
What else JAB owns
JAB Holding also owns Panera Brands and Pret A Manger and has long invested in coffee companies. Krispy Kreme is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
See the menu
Dozen and single doughnut prices are on the Krispy Kreme menu.
Related Questions
Is Krispy Kreme a public company?
Yes. It trades on the Nasdaq under the ticker DNUT.
Who is Krispy Kreme’s largest shareholder?
JAB Holding.
Who founded Krispy Kreme?
Vernon Rudolph, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1937.
Where is Krispy Kreme headquartered?
Charlotte, North Carolina.
Does JAB own Panera too?
Yes. JAB also owns Panera Brands.
When did Krispy Kreme go public again?
In July 2021.
More on Krispy Kreme
About this guide. USA Food Menu is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with Krispy Kreme. Details come from public sources and were checked in October 2026. See current prices on the Krispy Kreme menu.
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