Who Owns Krispy Kreme Doughnuts? Company Ownership Explained (2026)
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is owned by Krispy Kreme, Inc., a publicly traded American company in which JAB Holding Company is the largest shareholder. JAB is not the sole owner: individual and institutional investors also own shares of the business.
As of 2026, JAB’s investment affiliate, JAB Indulgence B.V., holds approximately 43% of Krispy Kreme’s outstanding common stock. The company trades on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker symbol DNUT. DNUT Proxy Statement+1
This distinction matters because Krispy Kreme has changed ownership several times since its founding in 1937. Below, we explain who owns the company today, who founded it, how JAB became its largest shareholder, and who manages the doughnut business.
Who Owns Krispy Kreme in 2026?
Krispy Kreme, Inc. is the parent company behind the Krispy Kreme doughnut brand. It operates as a publicly traded corporation, meaning its ownership is divided among shareholders rather than belonging entirely to one individual or private company.
The largest shareholder is JAB Holding Company, through its investment affiliate, JAB Indulgence B.V. According to Krispy Kreme’s 2026 proxy statement, JAB beneficially owned approximately 43% of the company’s common stock as of April 7, 2026.
Other investors, including financial institutions and investment funds, also hold shares. This means JAB has a significant ownership position, but it does not own 100% of Krispy Kreme.
Who Is the Largest Shareholder of Krispy Kreme?
JAB Holding Company is Krispy Kreme’s largest shareholder. It is a privately held investment group with interests in consumer brands and businesses.
JAB became involved with Krispy Kreme in 2016 when an affiliate, JAB Beech, agreed to acquire the doughnut company for approximately $1.35 billion. The acquisition took Krispy Kreme private, allowing it to operate outside the public stock market for several years.
JAB remains a major investor following Krispy Kreme’s return to public trading in 2021. Its investment affiliate, JAB Indulgence B.V., held approximately 43% of the company’s common stock in April 2026.
Krispy Kreme Ownership Breakdown
Krispy Kreme has several shareholders, including its largest investor and institutional investment firms.
| Shareholder | Approximate ownership | Role |
|---|---|---|
| JAB Indulgence B.V. | 43% | Largest shareholder |
| BNP Paribas SA | 8.9% | Institutional shareholder |
| Other investors | Remaining shares | Public and institutional shareholders |
Ownership figures are based on Krispy Kreme’s 2026 proxy statement and reflect reported holdings as of April 7, 2026. Shareholdings can change over time.
JAB’s ownership is held through a corporate investment structure involving several related entities. Therefore, references to JAB Holding Company as the owner should be understood as describing its investment group’s significant shareholding, not complete ownership of the publicly traded company.
Who Founded Krispy Kreme Doughnuts?
Krispy Kreme was founded by Vernon Rudolph in 1937 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Rudolph began selling doughnuts after acquiring a yeast-raised doughnut recipe from a New Orleans French chef. He initially sold his products to local grocery stores. As demand grew, he began selling hot doughnuts directly to customers through a hole cut into the bakery wall.
That early business developed into the Krispy Kreme brand, which became especially well known for its Original Glazed doughnuts.
Although Vernon Rudolph founded the company, he is not its current owner. The business has gone through several ownership and corporate changes since its early years.
When Did JAB Holding Company Buy Krispy Kreme?
JAB Holding Company entered Krispy Kreme’s ownership history in 2016.
In May of that year, Krispy Kreme announced an agreement to be acquired by JAB Beech, an affiliate of JAB Holding Company. The deal valued the company’s equity at approximately $1.35 billion, with shareholders set to receive $21 per share in cash.
The acquisition was completed in July 2016, and Krispy Kreme became a privately owned company.
JAB supported the brand’s continued expansion while Krispy Kreme remained independently operated as a business.
Is Krispy Kreme a Publicly Traded Company?
Yes. Krispy Kreme returned to the public stock market on July 1, 2021, when its shares began trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.
Here are the main stock details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Krispy Kreme, Inc. |
| Stock exchange | Nasdaq |
| Ticker symbol | DNUT |
| Public listing date | July 1, 2021 |
| Largest shareholder | JAB Indulgence B.V. |
| Corporate headquarters | Charlotte, North Carolina |
Because Krispy Kreme is publicly traded, eligible investors can purchase its shares through a brokerage account. Its stock price and shareholder ownership can change as investors buy and sell shares.
You can find company information through the Krispy Kreme Investor Relations website.
Who Is the CEO of Krispy Kreme?
Joshua Charlesworth is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Krispy Kreme, Inc.
He became CEO in January 2024 after previously serving in several senior leadership positions at the company, including Global President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer.
His responsibilities include overseeing the company’s business strategy, operations, leadership, and growth plans.
It is important to distinguish the CEO from the owner. Charlesworth leads the company’s management, while ownership belongs to its shareholders, with JAB Holding Company serving as the largest investor.
Does JAB Holding Company Own Other Food and Coffee Brands?
Yes. JAB Holding Company has investments across several consumer-focused industries, including coffee, food, and beverages.
Its portfolio and affiliated investment interests have included well-known brands and businesses such as:
- Krispy Kreme: Doughnuts, coffee, and related products.
- Panera Brands: A group of bakery-café businesses.
- Peet’s Coffee: Specialty coffee.
- Caribou Coffee: Coffee shops and beverages.
- Keurig Dr Pepper: A beverage business with an affiliated relationship to JAB.
These businesses do not all have the same ownership structure. Some are controlled investments, while others involve partnerships or affiliated companies. JAB’s relationship with a brand should therefore be checked individually rather than assuming it owns every company outright.
Does Krispy Kreme Own All Its Restaurants?
No. Krispy Kreme’s business includes company-operated shops, franchised locations, and other distribution arrangements.
In a franchise arrangement, an independent business partner operates a location under the Krispy Kreme brand and follows the company’s franchise requirements. The parent company may earn revenue through franchise fees, product sales, and other commercial arrangements.
Krispy Kreme has also been adjusting its international and US operating structure through refranchising. For example, in March 2026, the company completed the sale of its Japanese operations to Unison Capital. It also reduced its ownership stake in its Western US joint venture, leaving the franchise partner with more than 70 shops.
This means the owner of the overall Krispy Kreme brand is not necessarily the direct owner of every individual restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Krispy Kreme Ownership
Who owns Krispy Kreme Doughnuts right now?
Krispy Kreme, Inc. is a publicly traded company. JAB Holding Company’s investment affiliate, JAB Indulgence B.V., is its largest shareholder, with approximately 43% ownership reported in April 2026.
Is Krispy Kreme owned by JAB Holding Company?
JAB Holding Company is the largest investor in Krispy Kreme through its affiliated investment entities. However, it does not own the entire company because other public and institutional shareholders also hold shares.
Who founded Krispy Kreme?
Vernon Rudolph founded Krispy Kreme in 1937 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He started the business with a yeast-raised doughnut recipe and developed the brand into a major doughnut company.
When did JAB buy Krispy Kreme?
JAB Beech, an affiliate of JAB Holding Company, agreed to acquire Krispy Kreme in May 2016. The transaction was completed in July 2016, taking the company private.
Is Krispy Kreme still publicly traded?
Yes. Krispy Kreme returned to the stock market on July 1, 2021. Its shares trade on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol DNUT.
Who is the CEO of Krispy Kreme in 2026?
Joshua Charlesworth is the President and CEO of Krispy Kreme, Inc. He has held the position since January 2024.
Does McDonald’s own Krispy Kreme?
No. McDonald’s does not own Krispy Kreme. Krispy Kreme is a separate publicly traded company whose largest shareholder is JAB Holding Company’s investment affiliate.
Does Warren Buffett own Krispy Kreme?
Krispy Kreme’s major disclosed shareholder is JAB Indulgence B.V., not Warren Buffett. Investors can check the company’s SEC filings for reported major shareholders and changes in ownership.
Where is Krispy Kreme headquartered?
Krispy Kreme’s corporate headquarters is in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. The company also has a long history in Winston-Salem, where it was founded in 1937.
Final Thoughts
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is owned by Krispy Kreme, Inc., a publicly traded company with JAB Holding Company as its largest shareholder. JAB’s investment affiliate held approximately 43% of the company’s common stock in April 2026, while the remaining shares belonged to other investors.
The brand was founded by Vernon Rudolph in 1937, acquired by a JAB affiliate in 2016, and returned to public trading in 2021. Today, Joshua Charlesworth leads the company as its CEO.
Understanding the difference between the founder, largest shareholder, and CEO makes Krispy Kreme’s ownership history much easier to follow.
