One man was willing to do whatever it took to earn free doughnuts for children in his Bible study group. That includes camping out in the parking lot two days before Bartlett’s new Krispy Kreme opened last week.
Meet Jayeen Roach, 20. He works at the House Memphis Church.
He also does a Bible study at Bartlett High School every Friday after school and has been using his own money to buy pastries for the teens who attend. He camped out from 2:30 p.m. Sept. 11 until Krispy Kreme opened its doors for its grand opening on Sept. 13. The store had promised to give away free doughnuts every week to the first person in line, and Roach saw his opportunity.
And he won.
Roach says he’s grateful both to the business and to the average citizens who helped him get the freebies to treat his hungry teen Bible students. People brought him food and water to encourage him on his vigil and uplift him while he staked out his spot in a small tent outside the doughnut shop.
He wasn’t alone in celebrating the fabulous day of donuts last week at the new business at 6072 Stage Road, Bartlett. People who were eager for those sugary bites of sinful goodness were lined up around the building on foot and in their cars, with traffic backed up on Stage Road.
Krispy Kreme enticed visitors with extra festivities on Sept. 13, including a Hula Hoop contest and lively music and dancing led by Rockin’ Robin DJs.
Nearby businesses also stepped up their game in support. Fred’s opened at 4 a.m. so early risers would have access to bathrooms, snacks and water, and the store brought out its friendly bear mascot for photos, greeting the kids and a little extra fun.
A week later, passersby can still see lines around Krispy Kreme in Bartlett even into the afternoon.
About the business
The Krispy Kreme corporation provided these quick facts:
- The very first Krispy Kreme opened its doors in North Carolina in 1937, using a secret doughnut recipe bought from a New Orleans French chef.
- Fundraising works. Special business ordering from churches, schools, clubs and other organizations took an upswing in 1955 and has grown steadily.
- The familiar “Hot Doughnuts Now” sign was born in 1992.
Part of the company’s statement of belief is, “Consumers are our lifeblood, the center of the doughnut.” - Krispy Kreme now has a smartphone app so its customers can track when doughnuts are at their hottest. Download at http://locations.krispykreme.com/hotlightapp/home.
Written by Carolyn Bahm, Express Editor. Contact her at (901) 433-9138 or via email to bartlett.editor@journalinc.com.
