Krispy Kreme Details Overseas Growth

Krispy Kreme (Charlotte, N.C.) has opened its first shop in Spain, where it plans to open 50-plus stores over the next four years. The initial Spanish locale, in Madrid, is a Hot Light Theater Shop, the chain’s name for its retail shops/ production hubs. (Krispy Kreme also operates seven such shops in the United Kingdom, but none in the U.S.)

Krispy Kreme is partnering with Madrid-based Glaseados Originales S.L. on the Spanish expansion. Most of the brand’s stores there will bear the Krispy Kreme name, but five in major markets will be theater shops. Other cities the chain has targeted include Málaga, Zaragoza and Bilbao.

“Partnering with Glaseados Originales S.L. not only strengthens our international presence with a highly experienced local operator but also reinforces our commitment to scaling efficiently through our franchise model that supports sustainable, profitable growth,” Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth said in a news release.

In addition, the company said it expects to open its first units in Brazil and Uzbekistan before the end of this year.