First Krispy Kreme in Edmonton opens December 10

Edmontonians can now get a taste of Krispy Kreme’s glazed doughnuts as it is soon to open its first branch in Alberta’s capital.

After 3 years of talks, this estimated 4600 square feet doughnut shop features an open view of the kitchen and a complex machine for making 220 dozen glazed doughnuts per hour. It is something the first thing customers will see.

“I hope that they’re blown away by the doughnut theatre, that’s what makes us special,” said Levi Hetrick, Chief Growth Officer, Krispy Kreme Canada.

While this is the first branch in Edmonton, it is not the first one in Alberta, back in 2004, Calgary opened its location until its closure in 2008.

“Much of what had to do with the closure to Calgary was not about the brand itself in Calgary but more about the brand globally. Some internal things going on that just wasn’t viable business anymore, now we’ve regrouped over the last 15 – 20 years, we’ve kinda regrown the business and we’re excited to be back,” said Hetrick,

The chief growth officer says this specific location in Edmonton is one of the prototype factories in Canada, with the first one opened in Winnipeg.

“We’ll have cafe locations in Edmonton, we may have wholesale accounts with Costco and other partners … So all of that will come straight from this location,” said Hetrick.

The store opening is on December 10th next week, so what do Edmontonians think about another American chain opening in Alberta’s capital?

“I think it’s great there’s a lot of companies and some other food companies that opened this summer that have been here and I think it’s good, we have a really good food hub here,” said one local.

“I’m all for more choice and competition,” said another local.

While others have a different view on the topic.

“Depends where they pay their taxes, if they pay in Canada then it’s great, it helps our economy. If it goes back to the States, then I’d rather see a local business,” said another local.

Krispy Kreme also has a Willy Wonka-style promo, giving out 12 golden tickets to the first customers and we’ll be provided a dozen doughnuts per month for the whole year.