Krispy Kreme to open Moscow location

Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corp. will open its first location in Moscow Thursday, the first in a 40-unit deal for the Russian capital.

Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Krispy Kreme has partnered with LLC Doughnuts Café, owned by Russian restaurateur Arkady Novikov. With the Moscow opening, Krispy Kreme will have locations in 22 countries, the company said.

Jeff Welch, president of Krispy Kreme’s international division, said Novikov and his team have "a vast knowledge of the appetites and attitudes of Muscovites.”

“It is our hope that our beloved brand will become an integral part of Moscow's culture for many years to come,” Welch said in a statement.

Novikov also owns the Novikov Group, which has restaurants and other businesses in Moscow, St. Petersburg and London, including the casual-dining chains Barashka, Kish Mish, Delice Cafe and Prime Star. Additionally, it operates Novikov Catering.

Moscow’s first Krispy Kreme unit covers about 3,230 square feet and is located on Nikolskaya Street, behind the capital's GUM shopping arcade and Red Square.

The unit features Krispy Kreme’s “Doughnut Theater” production line and its noted Hot Light.

Krispy Kreme has more than 540 units in international markets, with 785 total locations.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].
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