Great Doughnut Debate: Krispy Kreme

GRAND RAPIDS –

There's a local bakery with a small-town vibe that serves something delicious in every town. But on a rare occasion, like in the 1950s, a small bakery is recognized for its greatness and it has no other choice but to share its deliciousness with the world.

That's what happened to Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.

The small doughnut shop that began in my hometown of Winston-Salem, N.C., had smells so good and tastes so right, people walked off the street to get a hot and fluffy doughnut — or so the website says.

It must be true, because people are still doing it today. The company's signature hot light sign beckons to people, letting them know the best time to get a sweet snack. In simplest terms, it's irresistible. Though the company began boxing and shipping its original glazed doughnuts years ago, Krispy Kreme lovers say there's nothing better than a hot-n-now original glazed doughnut from Krispy Kreme.

Jen Bailey saw the light while driving and decided to bring her daughter and niece in for the first time.

"They're known for amazing doughnuts so just wanted to share that amazing experience," she said.

As of February this year, there are 1,000 Krispy Kreme Doughnut shops — but none in Battle Creek. The closest shop is in Grand Rapids, located at 2700 East Beltline Road, Centerpointe Mall.

Enquirer reporters traveled the hour-long drive for a taste because, well, it's more than worth it.

Density: It's light and fluffy, banishing any thoughts of feeling weighted down or sluggish after eating.

Flavor: Krispy Kreme's glaze is poured on thick for extra sweetness you can't find anywhere else. The dough is perfect, not bread-like, and there's a synergy with the glaze that is magnificent.

Freshness: Nothing is fresher than a hot-n-now original glazed Krispy Kreme doughnut. Customers are teased with the glass case allowing them to watch the doughnut-making process until they get to the friendly staff handing out free hot-n-nows just for stepping into the store.

Though Krispy Kreme is known for their hot-n-now original glazed doughnut, the international company still has a commitment to their local communities. Krispy Kremes nationwide have supported and sponsored events, schools and groups within their local areas through FUNd raising efforts since 1955.

In the midst of their charitable actions the company continues to create new doughnuts with every season — though their regular customers say they will always come back for the original glazed doughnut.

"We love doughnuts, doughnuts are part of my weekly thing, I have to have a doughnut like once a week," Ryan Inman said.

Inman, 20, said he and friend Jade Tafe, 20, prefer Krispy Kreme to other doughnut shops because of the freshness. Tafe said Krispy Kreme has a recipe others haven't been able to master.

"They're so fresh," she said. "We usually come during hot hour and they're so good they're really fluffy and stuff," she said.

For Inman, there's no other option.

"It seems pretty obvious to me, fresh is better," Ryan Inman, 20, said.

Call Olivia Lewis at 966-0581. Follow her on Twitter: @TheWrittenPeace