Forget everything you thought you knew about glazed donuts. The real “original” Krispy Kreme isn’t spelled with K’s at all. It’s Crispie Creme with C’s, and it’s been frying up donuts since 1929 — five years before the chain with the neon “Hot Now” signs even existed.
And it’s right here in Ohio, down Route 23 in Chillicothe!
The Donut History You Didn’t Know You Needed
Here’s the short version, according to founder Jack Renison’s great-granddaughter Hallie: Jack Renison opened the first Crispie Creme in Mulberry, Kansas in 1929. He eventually made his way east, opening shops across several states until settling in Portsmouth, Ohio.
In 1934, he sold one of his shops in Paducah, Kentucky to Vernon Rudolph. Rudolph didn’t get the recipe, just the building. But he did keep a similar name, just with a new spelling, that became the Krispy Kreme empire we know today.
The donut timeline is basically:
- 1929: Crispie Creme starts.
- 1934: Rudolph buys a shop, rebrands with K’s.
- Today: People still don’t know the difference (but now you do).
The Renison family has kept things true to the original ever since. No franchises. No cutting corners. No day-old donuts. Just family-owned, fresh-made goodness for nearly 100 years.
The Chillicothe Connection
Jack’s son, Jim Renison, opened a Crispie Creme location in Chillicothe in the 1950s, and in 1964 he built the shop that still stands today at 47 N Bridge St.
That’s right — this isn’t some retro-themed knockoff. This is the real-deal Crispie Creme, still run by the Renison family, still using the same recipes, and still making donuts that will ruin all other donuts for you.
What to Order (aka How to Become Obsessed)
When I visited, I went for the seasonal pumpkin donuts. Soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside (hence the CRISPie Creme name!), and it was basically everything you’d want to eat in October.
Other heavy hitters include:
- Apple donuts (basically fall in fried form)
- Chocolate cream-filled (messy, but worth it)
And if you’re into nostalgia, the shop itself feels like stepping back in time. The dining area is uniquely shaped like a triangle, the vibe is old-school, and the donuts taste like something your grandparents would have fought over at the breakfast table.
Why This Is the Only Crispie Creme That Matters
Sure, the Krispy Kreme with a “K” has neon lights and endless franchises. But Crispie Creme has something they can’t replicate — family history, authenticity, and donuts that are actually better.
In my eyes, this is the only Crispie Creme that matters. And if you’re anywhere near Central Ohio, it’s worth the drive to Chillicothe to see (and taste) it for yourself.
Attention Central Ohio Business Owners!
We built the Step Out advertising program for local businesses that want to get in front of locals in Central Ohio — people actively looking for places to eat, shop, and explore.
A business we advertised even had to hire 2 more people after working with us.
Curious if we’re a good fit for your business?
👉 Learn about our audience
Already thinking, “This sounds perfect for us”?
👉 Learn more about our ads