Krispy Kreme Faces Backlash Over Paris Store Opening

Krispy Kreme recently faced criticism from Paris' deputy mayor following the opening of its first store in the French capital. The shop, located in a former restaurant run by Michelin starred chef Alain Ducasse, attracted a large crowd of Parisians eager to get their hands on the renowned doughnuts.

However, Emmanuel Grégoire, the city's deputy mayor, expressed his displeasure with the poster campaign that accompanied the opening. He condemned the campaign for "littering the streets," deeming it both "illegal" and "polluting." Flyposting, such as the one used by Krispy Kreme, is against French law.

The advertisement campaign was developed by Buzzman Time, an advertising agency known for its work with big brands like Burger King and Uber Eats.

This store launch in Paris marks Krispy Kreme's first foray into France, which is currently the second largest fast-food market globally. The North Carolina-based company, founded in 1937, has ambitious plans to establish 500 doughnut stalls across the country within the next five years. Krispy Kreme doughnuts are already available in 38 countries worldwide, including Cambodia, Myanmar, and Kazakhstan.

The company has been enjoying financial success recently, with its most recent financial results reporting a 7.9% increase in revenues to $407 million in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the previous year.

Neither Krispy Kreme nor Buzzman Time provided comments when approached for a statement.