1989 photo of the Independence Blvd location
Former location on Albemarle RdBefore Krispy Kreme began their unchecked growth (expansion into new markets, grocery stores, convenience stores), their presence in Charlotte was more like a coffee shop. At all hours you would find people sitting at the long counters having a doughnut and coffee--taking their time and enjoying the experience. Charlotte had two primary locations (this was in addition to the earliest location at 900 W. Trade St). The most famous location was at the intersection of Independence Blvd and Hawthorne Lane. The building (at night) would be all lit up--beckoning to all who drove by. The other location was on South Blvd at Marsh Rd (a later location would pop up on Wilkinson Blvd as well as one on Albemarle Rd in the mid-80's). The '90's would find all of these locations gradually closing and replaced by smaller, more impersonal carry-out locations.
REVISIONS -- 8-9-2008
Late-1950's photo of either the South Blvd or Trade St location
I remember the Hawthorne Lane Krispy Kreme well. When my first son Bryan(now 15)was born we lived in Plaza Midwood and had to pass Krispy Kreme on the way to Presbyterian Hospital. As we approached at 5:30 am the "Hot Doughnuts Now" sign lit up and I asked Soo if we should stop and pick up a dozen or so doughnuts. I didn't know how long these things might take being our first time and a couple dozen glazed would sure help the waiting. The glare I received and the response through clenched teeth of "don't you dare" let me know I had strayed into dangerous territory. So I passed. Bryan was born a mere 2 hours and 20 minutes later. So maybe there wasn't quite enough time for a doughnut run after all.
ReplyDeleteJim
Charlotte
When I was a teenager back in the late 60's, we attended St. John's Baptist Church, a few blocks up Hawthorne Lane. On any number of occasions, some of us would "cut" Sunday School or Sunday evening "Training Union", unbeknownst to our parents, and head down to KK for a few hot glazed.
ReplyDelete