Krispy Kreme
 | |
 The new Krispy Kreme building at 9th and Cervantes | |
| Building Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | 980 North Ninth Avenue |
| Renovations | 2006-2007 |
| Date Demolished | 2006 (original store) |
| <googlemap lat="30.423115" lon="-87.207134" zoom="17" width="300" height="250">
30.422856, -87.206694, Krispy Kreme </googlemap> | |
Krispy Kreme is a popular chain of doughnut stores. The diner-style store at 9th Avenue and Cervantes Street was a local landmark before it was demolished and replaced with a modern building in 2006-2007.
The Pensacola market was held by an independent franchisee until November 21, 2004, when the rights were purchased by the corporate office.[1]
Contents
9th and Cervantes store[edit]
Original store[edit]
The original store at 9th and Cervantes opened in 1968.[2] The store was demolished in late November 2006. A number of items from the original store were auctioned off, including the barstools and the famed "Hot Doughnuts Now" sign. Proceeds from the auction went to the Toys for Tots charity.
New store[edit]
A new store, built anew on the site of the previous store, was opened to large crowds at 5:00 AM on April 17, 2007. The first customer in the lobby won a "year's supply of free doughnuts" (one free dozen per week for a year). The next 12 lobby and drive-thru customers each received a free dozen each month for a year. Mike Jordan of Pace was reportedly the first person in line; he claimed to have been staking his position since 9:00 AM the day before.
Krispy Kreme also awarded the first 12 lobby customers Krispy Kreme jersey shirts, the first 50 customers Krispy Kreme t-shirts, and one free donut to all customers on opening day.
The new store features a drive-thru, and seats about 30 more people than the previous store.
Criticisms of the new store[edit]
The Krispy Kreme location has long been a Pensacola staple. The 60s-era design of the original store was appreciated by many and featured in artwork by City Art Market. The new store, however, retains little to none of the look and spirit of the original store. The new store is a rectangular brick building, complete with a drive-thru. Some Pensacolians are disappointed that the company opted for a design identical to many other Krispy Kreme locations across the country rather than replacing the original store with a similar design, which many felt was unique and a local landmark.
Additionally, the landmark Krispy Kreme sign that for years stood on the corner of 9th and Cervantes was removed by the company shortly before the store opened. The company claims that the sign, which was perhaps more of a landmark than the actual store, was "too damaged to repair". Jeff Jervick, Krispy Kreme's executive vice president of operations, has pledged that the company is working to replace the sign with "something similar to what was there before".[3]
Hours of Operation[edit]
Lobby[edit]
- Sunday–Thursday: 5:00 AM–11:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 5:00 AM–Midnight
Drive-thru[edit]
The store's drive-thru is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Other locations[edit]
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While the 9th and Cervantes store is the only full-fledged location currently in Pensacola, there have been several other store locations. Additionally, pre-packaged Krispy Kreme donuts are available in many area groceries and gas stations.
West Cervantes[edit]
The first Krispy Kreme in Pensacola was located at 404 West Cervantes Street, near Reus Street. This building is currently occupied by Able Body Labor. Joseph A. McAleer, who would later purchase the Krispy Kreme company after the death of founder Vernon Rudolph, worked at this Pensacola store in the early 1950s for only $1/hour to gain experience.[4]
Pace and Fairfield[edit]
Another store was located at the corner of Pace Boulevard and Fairfield Drive at one point during the 1970–1980s.
Warrington[edit]
Yet another store, built in 1959,[5] was located at 1315 North New Warrington Road. The building is currently occupied by Circle Doughnut.
North 9th Avenue[edit]
Another former location stands at 6320 N. 9th Avenue. It has been a Subway store for many years but retains much architectural similarity with the former 9th and Cervantes store pictured previously in the article.
References[edit]
- ↑ Press release
- ↑ Hot doughnuts now - Pensacola News Journal, April 18, 2007.
- ↑ Famed sign may return - Pensacola News Journal, April 17, 2007
- ↑ http://americanhistory.si.edu/archives/d7594.htm
- ↑ Escambia County Property Appraiser's website
