Krispy Kreme has built a global brand on the strength of their incredible donuts. But the brand has recently gone through some struggles, and they’re turning it around by finding new ways to get their products to consumers.
Josh Charlesworth is the President and CEO of Krispy Kreme, which trades under the symbol D-N-U-T. Josh has served as President and CEO since January of 2024, and he joined the company as CFO in May of 2017. He was also appointed COO in May of 2019, and global president in 2022. Josh joins us to discuss Krispy Kreme’s revamped business plan, including their approach to domestic expansion, and their strategy for capital-light international franchising
Highlights:
- How Josh Joined Krispy Kreme: From Mars to Donuts (1:00)
- Krispy Kreme’s 89-Year History (2:30)
- The Scale of the Business Today (03:30)
- The 2025 Turnaround: Why the Business Model Had to Change (05:30)
- Capital Light Strategy & the Hub-and-Spoke Model (08:00)
- US Expansion (09:30)
- International Growth: Brazil, Spain, France & Beyond (11:00)
- Surprising Markets & The Brand’s Global Reach (13:00)
- Japan Case Study (14:00)
- Revenue vs. Profitability (16:30)
- Margin Improvements, Leverage Reduction & Outsourced Delivery (18:00)
- What Makes Krispy Kreme Unique (21:30)
- Target, Costco, Walmart & Fresh Delivery Expansion (23:00)
- E-Commerce, Loyalty Members & Fastest Growing Channel (25:30)
- LTOs, Collaborations & Staying Culturally Relevant (NASA, Harry Potter, Masters of the Universe) (27:00)
- GLP-1s & Changing Consumer Trends (30:00)
- Top Priorities for 2026–2027 (32:30)
- Josh’s Favourite Krispy Kreme Donut (34:30)
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If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you’d like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co.
