Back in Fresno – Krispy Kreme!

The “Hot Doughnuts Now” sign is once again shining bright in the Central Valley.

Krispy Kreme, the popular franchised doughnut shop, has re-opened in Fresno.

The new location is at 5692 N. Blackstone.  That’s between Bullard and Barstow in the same shopping center as Target and Smart & Final.

Several new businesses have opened or are in the process of opening in that center.  Like Krispy Kreme they are located along the edge of Blackstone.  It’s all part of the city’s new Master Plan to have retail located closer to the street instead of setback.

Krispy Kreme was previously located farther north on Blackstone near River Park.  That location opened to lots of fanfare in 2001, but closed in 2007.

I remember attending the 2001 opening.  I was in high school.  It was a pretty big deal.  Hundreds of people showed up that first day.  There were radio stations broadcasting live.  Fresno’s city council declared it “Krispy Kreme Day.”

I didn’t think the opening of the new location would draw as big of crowds.  I was wrong!  What was I thinking?!  Of course it would be packed… FresYes-ians LOVE these grand-openings!

The first person is line camped out for a couple of days.  As a reward, they will receive a dozen free doughnuts each week for a year.

The next 99 people in line will receive a free dozen doughnuts each month for a year.

I didn’t make it over to Krispy Kreme until 9PM on opening day.  The place was jam-packed.  The line wrapped all the way outside.  There were at least 300 people!

The drive-thru was just as crazy.  Cars were backed up onto Blackstone!

The wait was worth it.  My original glazed doughnut was just as I remembered. Warm, light in texture and sweet tasting.  Yummy!!!

You will find a variety of doughnuts.  There are KREME, chocolate and lemon flavored doughnuts.  Others are apple and blueberry filled.  Some are glazed in cinnamon others in strawberry and chocolate.  Lots to choose from!

Right now there are holiday themed doughnuts like the Santa Belly Doughnut which is a decorated and filled with chocolate KREME.  The Melted Snowman Doughnut is filled and dipped in white icing and the Holiday Sprinkles Doughnut has a chocolate iced ring and is topped with holiday themed sprinkles.

Krispy Kreme also has coffee drinks.  I enjoyed the iced vanilla coffee.  They have a variety of lattes, mochas and coffee drinks… both hot and cold.

There are tables to sit and chat at or study.

The lobby of the Fresno location opens daily at 5:30AM.  It closes at 10PM Sunday through Thursday and 11PM on Friday and Saturdays.

The drive thru is open 24 hours at least temporarily.  Owners will keep it open around-the-clock for the first four weeks.  If it’s busy it will continue to stay open.

Krispy Kreme opened their first location in Winston-Salem, North Carolina back in 1937.  The original doughnut recipe came from a New Orleans French chef.

By 1973 Krispy Kreme grew into a Southern chain with 60 shops.

In 2001 Krispy Kreme went International.  There are now over 1,000 stores Worldwide.

Krispy Kreme offers fundraising opportunities for schools and organizations.  You can learn more on their website KrispyKreme.com