Krispy Kreme Introduces Its First-Ever Cinnamon Rolls

Krispy Kreme has added a new twist to Sunday mornings with the launch of its Original Glazed Cinnamon Rolls, exclusively at its flagship store in Rosebank.

As of Sunday, 3 November 2024, Krispy Kreme’s store at The Zone in Rosebank is offering these hand-rolled, yeast-raised cinnamon rolls.
Each cinnamon roll will be prepared by hand, making the launch a nostalgic nod to the days when customers would rush to bakeries for freshly made, warm pastries.
These cinnamon rolls are available from 8am every Sunday on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Krispy Kreme South Africa has been gaining popularity in the South African market since its arrival, and the brand’s journey has been one of expansion and innovation. Having established a footprint in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape, the company now aims to continue growing nationally, with plans to reach all corners of South Africa in the coming years. Although the brand experienced some hurdles during the COVID-19 pandemic, recovery has been steady.

We’re on the road to recovery now, gaining market share, and looking to grow into other regions in the next couple of years.

// Managing Director of Krispy Kreme South Africa, Gerry Thomas

Cinnamon Rolls — Get them fresh out of the oven, every Sunday morning – if you’re fast enough! Image: The Sandton Times

The upcoming plans include a production hub in George, catering to the Southern Cape region, with additional expansion into Mpumalanga, the Free State, and the Eastern Cape over the next few years. This phased expansion is poised to cement Krispy Kreme as a nationwide favourite.

We’re more than about doughnuts. We’re a sharing occasion.

// Managing Director of Krispy Kreme South Africa, Gerry Thomas

Whether for birthdays, gender reveals, Valentine’s Day, or even South Africa-specific flavours like milk tart and peppermint crisp, the brand has become the go-to choice for special moments. These occasions, coupled with limited-time releases for holidays like Halloween and Easter, have helped Krispy Kreme carve out a unique niche in the South African market.

The iconic Original Glazed doughnut remains at the heart of the brand, accounting for 30% of its sales and symbolising consistency and quality that’s hard to beat. Alongside this classic, the company has kept South African customers engaged with localised flavours and creative, seasonal offerings that rotate every four to six weeks, each generating around 20% of sales at the time. South Africa’s Krispy Kreme is part of a global network, and Gerry emphasises that the brand takes a balanced approach to its product offerings.

We take best practices from around the world, bring them here, and South Africanize them if needed.

// Managing Director of Krispy Kreme South Africa, Gerry Thomas

This flexible strategy allows Krispy Kreme South Africa to maintain its global standards while catering to local preferences, creating a menu that’s both familiar and distinctively South African.

The launch of cinnamon rolls in Rosebank is a perfect example of this adaptability. While cinnamon rolls are a global favourite, Krispy Kreme’s version – made with their Original Glazed dough – isn’t unique to South Africa, but combining an international trend with a local twist. Gerry is thrilled to introduce this new innovation.

We’ve put our signature twist on a beloved classic. This isn’t just any cinnamon roll—it’s a Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Cinnamon Roll. With its light, fluffy texture and our iconic glaze, it’s set to redefine how you experience cinnamon rolls.

// Managing Director of Krispy Kreme South Africa, Gerry Thomas

And when they’re gone, they’re gone, so early risers have the best shot at grabbing these coveted treats. This handmade approach sets Krispy Kreme’s cinnamon rolls apart, especially in a world dominated by mass-produced sweets. The Rosebank store’s unique “hotline” format lets customers experience the freshness of each item, with every roll carefully crafted using Krispy Kreme’s proprietary Original Glazed dough. After being hand-rolled, the dough is left to rise, creating a light and airy texture unlike the dense cinnamon rolls found elsewhere.

Available individually or in combos of 3, 6, or 12, Krispy Kreme’s cinnamon rolls cater to various cravings, whether it’s enjoying a quiet Sunday solo or gathering with friends and family. This new addition is part of the Rosebank store’s effort to bring something special to South African customers, adding a layer of exclusivity that encourages fans to plan their Sunday mornings around this indulgence.

Looking towards 2025, Krispy Kreme South Africa is set on expanding its reach. Gerry notes that Gauteng remains the brand’s strongest region, driven by the economic activity in Johannesburg and Tshwane. Meanwhile, the Western Cape is gaining momentum, fuelled by a growing economy and increased tourism, and KwaZulu-Natal is making a comeback after some challenging years. When asked about his favourite doughnut, Gerry’s answer is as iconic as the brand itself.