Review by Mike Richeson

Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index Previous Reviews | Send mail to The Voice Krispy Kreme's Oregon invasion begins in Southeast Portland Workers keep busy at Krispy Kreme. -Rhett Butler, photo When the doughnuts start rolling off the line and the neon "Hot Now" sign flickers on, people flock to the new Krispy Kreme doughnut store in Southeast Portland. Greasy fried dough becomes a ravenous need for the thousands of doughnut lovers waiting hours for a snack. After five weeks of jumping business, the line of customers still stretches out the door, but don't be frightened off. The wait is down to 20-25 minutes, and the line moves at a quick pace. But don't take your chances on the drive-through. The wait is about twice as long compared with foot traffic. The Krispy Kreme building is as much a shrine to doughnuts as it is a store. The history of Krispy Kreme, along with some amazing doughnut facts, are posted along the entrance. For those who have never been to one of these world-famous doughnut shops, watching the production process alone is worth the trip. A huge assembly line that would put some car companies to shame runs the length of the store. Spectators can watch the whole process, from doughnut birth to final glazing and packaging. Some Krispy Kreme stores can crank out a whopping 12,000 doughnuts a day. About half way through the waiting line, a man named Snowcloud passes out free original glazed doughnuts hot off the line. The first bite of glazed paradise immediately makes the wait worthwhile. You don't chew these pastries; you let them melt in your mouth. They are delicious. The original glazed, Krispy Kreme's main claim to fame, sells for 70 cents each. Yes, this is almost twice as much as a doughnut from a grocery store, but also twice as good. If you are feeling hungry or buying for a group, a dozen sells for $5.99. Glass displays show off the variety of doughnut flavors available. Any assorted doughnut other than the original glazed sells for 75 cents each or $6.49 for a dozen. Most of the chocolate-flavored friedcakes aren't anything special and way too sweet. The glazed blueberry and glazed crullers are two worthwhile buys, but eat the cream-filled doughnuts at your own risk. Most of the fillings are weak, and they are guaranteed to spill on your clothes. So are Krispy Kreme doughnuts worth the wait? Only if you love deep-fried, air-puffed dough drenched in a rich glaze and have nothing else to do. After all, they are just doughnuts -- really good doughnuts. Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index Previous Reviews | Top Of Page Send mail to The Voice| Journalism department website © 2003 The Voice. No part of this publication may be reproduced in written or electronic form without prior written consent from the journalism adviser of Multnomah Bible College. All rights reserved.