Franchisee Success Stories
Meet the entrepreneurs who turned their Krispy Kreme dreams into thriving businesses across the globe. Their journeys show how passion, community, and doughnuts can create sweet success.
The Cosentino Family – Fort Myers, Florida
In 2018, the Cosentino family brought Krispy Kreme to Fort Myers, Florida, and almost overnight, their shop became more than just a place to grab a doughnut—it became a community landmark. The iconic Hot Light sign quickly drew lines of eager customers, but it was the family’s personal connection to the community that truly set the store apart. With deep roots in Southwest Florida, the Cosentinos understood that success wasn’t just about selling doughnuts—it was about creating a gathering place. From the start, their Krispy Kreme shop became a hub for families stopping in after school, friends catching up over coffee, and children delighting in their very first warm Original Glazed. Beyond day-to-day sales, the Cosentino family leaned into community engagement. They partnered with local schools, sports teams, and non-profits to host fundraisers and events, ensuring the store was woven into the fabric of Fort Myers life. Whether supplying boxes for charity drives or sponsoring local initiatives, Krispy Kreme Fort Myers quickly became known as a brand that gives back.
““Krispy Kreme is about joy and tradition,” said franchisee Frank Cosentino. “Every Hot Light batch connects us with our neighbors.” That philosophy has kept customers returning, not only for the doughnuts but for the sense of connection and nostalgia the store provides. Today, the Cosentino family’s Krispy Kreme remains a beloved gathering place in Southwest Florida, proof that when strong community ties meet a world-famous product, the result is something far sweeter than just a doughnut shop.
Curefoods – Expanding Across India
India is one of the fastest-growing markets for café culture, with young professionals, students, and families embracing global food and beverage brands like never before. Into this vibrant landscape steps Curefoods, Krispy Kreme’s local franchise partner, leading an ambitious rollout that is transforming how Indians experience doughnuts. With plans for 100+ stores nationwide, Curefoods is betting big on Krispy Kreme’s ability to capture a share of India’s rapidly evolving foodservice market. From bustling metro cities like Bangalore, Delhi, and Mumbai to tier-two cities where café culture is just taking root, the strategy is clear: make Krispy Kreme a household name across the country. Success lies in a careful balance of global consistency and local adaptation. While the iconic Original Glazed remains a star attraction, Curefoods has introduced menu options tailored to Indian palates—unique flavours, localized beverages, and store formats that resonate with regional preferences. This ability to adapt without losing the brand’s global charm has been central to its acceptance among Indian consumers.
“Equally important is Krispy Kreme’s positioning as a social experience. Stores are designed as vibrant gathering spaces where people can connect, celebrate, and indulge together. In a culture where food is often shared, Krispy Kreme’s appeal extends beyond individual snacks to group moments—whether it’s birthdays, office parties, or family outings. “It’s more than doughnuts—it’s happiness,” said Curefoods CEO Ankit Nagori. “Krispy Kreme brings people together.” The India expansion showcases the brand’s versatility in emerging markets, proving that with the right local partner, Krispy Kreme can thrive across diverse cultural and economic landscapes. Curefoods’ journey is not just about opening stores—it’s about embedding a global icon into the fabric of modern Indian life.
United Kingdom – Multi-Unit Growth
Krispy Kreme first entered the United Kingdom in 2003 with a flagship store in London, sparking immediate buzz. The Original Glazed quickly won over British consumers, and within a few short years, demand grew beyond expectations. What began as a handful of outlets in select cities has since evolved into a nationwide network of stores, kiosks, and partnerships that place Krispy Kreme within easy reach of millions. From the bustling streets of London to Birmingham’s shopping centres and high-traffic transport hubs, Krispy Kreme has positioned itself as more than just a treat—it’s become part of everyday life. Whether picked up with a morning coffee, shared in an office meeting, or bought as a weekend indulgence, doughnuts have become a ritual for customers across the UK. At the heart of this success is the multi-unit growth strategy embraced by UK franchisees. One franchise group, for example, started with a single store and steadily scaled into a multi-unit empire. Today, they serve millions of doughnuts annually, employ hundreds of staff, and play an important role in local economies.
But beyond numbers, the UK expansion has been driven by an emotional connection. Krispy Kreme’s marketing campaigns emphasize joy, sharing, and celebration, resonating deeply with British consumers. From limited-edition seasonal launches to charity fundraisers and community engagement, franchisees have built a business that delivers more than just doughnuts—it delivers experiences. “We’re selling moments of happiness,” one UK partner explained. “People don’t just come for a snack—they come for a memory, a smile, and something to share.” Today, Krispy Kreme UK is not only one of the brand’s strongest international markets but also a textbook example of how multi-unit franchising can turn a sweet idea into a nationwide success story.
Krispy Kreme Australia – A Sweet Turnaround
When Krispy Kreme first entered the Australian market in 2003, excitement was high. Crowds lined up for hours to get their hands on the brand’s signature Original Glazed doughnuts, and the opening buzz seemed unstoppable. However, the momentum didn’t last long. Within a few years, sales slowed, and several stores closed. Rising costs, poor site selections, and an overreliance on highway locations left the business struggling to find its footing. But rather than bow out, local franchise operators took a step back and reevaluated their strategy. They asked hard questions: Where do Australians actually want to buy doughnuts? How can the brand become part of everyday life rather than a once-in-a-while treat? The answer came through smarter location strategies and stronger community engagement. Instead of focusing only on large standalone stores, Krispy Kreme expanded into smaller kiosks, shopping centres, and partnerships with petrol stations and convenience outlets. This made the doughnuts more accessible, aligning with how Australians shop and commute. Equally important was a renewed focus on community connection. Franchisees invested in local marketing, sponsorships, and charity initiatives that made Krispy Kreme feel less like a foreign chain and more like a local favourite. Seasonal product innovations, tie-ins with Australian holidays, and collaborations with other popular brands helped keep the menu fresh and relevant.
“The turnaround has been remarkable. Today, Krispy Kreme Australia is not just surviving—it’s thriving. Stores are consistently busy, the brand enjoys strong social media engagement, and wholesale partnerships have expanded its reach nationwide. “We learned that success comes from listening to customers,” one franchisee explained. “Australians told us they wanted convenience, value, and a brand that gave back to their communities. We delivered—and that’s why we’re still here.” Krispy Kreme Australia now stands as a case study in resilience and adaptation, proving that even global icons must stay flexible and responsive to succeed in international markets.
Middle East Expansion – Sweet Success in Dubai
The Middle East has long been a hub for global brands, and Krispy Kreme has carved out a strong presence in this fast-growing region. From the glitz of Dubai to the bustling streets of Riyadh and Doha, franchise partners have successfully introduced the world-famous Original Glazed to millions of customers, making it a staple indulgence for both locals and international visitors. The strategy has centered on high-visibility, high-traffic locations. By opening in malls, airports, and major commercial districts, Krispy Kreme has ensured accessibility to shoppers, families, business travelers, and tourists alike. In cities known for their love of premium experiences, the brand has positioned itself not just as a snack but as a luxury treat with universal appeal. Franchisees in the region have also adapted the business model to local tastes and lifestyles. Whether it’s offering shareable boxes for family gatherings, introducing special editions for Ramadan and Eid, or designing sleek, modern store layouts that match Gulf retail culture, Krispy Kreme has embraced local expectations while staying true to its global identity.
““Krispy Kreme is a premium treat that resonates across cultures,” said one Gulf-based operator. This focus on inclusivity and adaptability has paid off—today, the brand enjoys double-digit growth across the region, with more stores opening each year. The Middle East expansion is a sweet success story, showing how Krispy Kreme’s combination of global consistency, local adaptation, and strategic partnerships can create a powerful formula for growth in one of the world’s most dynamic consumer markets.
Asia-Pacific – Malaysia & Beyond
Across Malaysia and Southeast Asia, Krispy Kreme has grown far beyond being just a doughnut shop—it has evolved into a trendy lifestyle brand embraced by young professionals, students, and families alike. With its signature Hot Light experience and innovative product launches, the brand has captured a loyal customer base in some of the region’s most competitive food and beverage markets. Franchise groups in Malaysia and neighboring countries have been especially adept at using digital marketing and social media to keep Krispy Kreme top of mind. Creative seasonal campaigns, limited-edition flavours, and influencer collaborations consistently generate excitement, ensuring long lines for every new product drop.
“At the same time, Krispy Kreme stores are positioned as social destinations. Outlets are designed not just for takeaway, but as welcoming spaces for groups to meet, relax, and celebrate everyday moments. “Our stores are gathering spots as much as food outlets,” explained one regional partner, highlighting the role Krispy Kreme plays in modern urban culture. This mix of innovation, accessibility, and lifestyle branding has fueled rapid growth throughout the Asia-Pacific. From Kuala Lumpur to Manila, Bangkok, and beyond, Krispy Kreme continues to attract devoted fans who see the brand as part of their daily lives and celebrations. With each new market entry, Krispy Kreme proves its ability to blend global consistency with regional flair—building not just sales, but lasting emotional connections with customers across Asia-Pacific.
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