Dozens of eager doughnut enthusiasts braved the rain to be the first in line as Winnipeg welcomed its first Krispy Kreme store. Despite the wet weather, excitement filled the air as customers eagerly awaited the chance to taste the iconic glazed, sugared, and powdered doughnuts from the renowned U.S. chain.
Larry Geraghty, the store’s general manager, expressed his amazement at the turnout, stating, ‘It’s unbelievable. Last night, we saw the line starting. I had no idea it would be this impactful.’ The enthusiasm was palpable as Jason Magner, who arrived at the store at noon the day before opening, proudly claimed the title of the first customer. His dedication earned him the privilege of turning on the store’s Hot Light and winning a golden ticket for a free dozen doughnuts every month for a year.
Reflecting on his experience, Magner shared, ‘I had to be the first, to get the bragging rights, to be the first in Winnipeg, to tell my children, to just get that honour to turn on that Hot Light.’ Michael Bochinski, another devoted fan of Krispy Kreme, also joined the queue early, reminiscing about his love for the brand from his visits to the States.
Despite the continuous rain throughout the night, customers like Bochinski remained undeterred, showcasing their dedication to the beloved doughnut chain. The grand opening of Winnipeg’s first Krispy Kreme was a resounding success, with hungry patrons flocking to the store to indulge in the sweet treats.
The event marked a significant milestone for the city, with residents eagerly embracing the arrival of the popular doughnut destination. As Winnipeggers savored their first bites of Krispy Kreme doughnuts on home soil, the atmosphere was filled with joy and anticipation for what the future holds for this iconic brand in the local community.