Yes, Krispy Kreme has added a Cheerwine-flavored doughnut. And yes, they dropped off a stack of boxes at my office this morning. I guess we got them right after the governor did. I'm honored.Verdict? The Cheerwine-flavored filling does taste a little Cheerwine-like, with a bright cherry flavor. I'd eat that if someone put it on a cupcake. But the chocolate topping is kind of lost under all the red and white sprinkles.
But overall? Sorry, but I'm a Krispy Kreme purist. If you're not buying them from a bakery when the "Hot Now" sign is lit, it's just not the same. Once they cool, they stiffen up a little and just became a cold, slightly tough, yeast-raised doughnut. The point of Krispy Kremes was that freshness, being able to get them right after they went through the shower of hot sugar.
In this case, the Cheerwine flavor will only be available in supermarkets. Given the interest I've seen, you should see plenty of them around.
Did the Matthews location close down?
ReplyDeleteCan this be cross posted to the story about the Carolinas and obesity?
ReplyDeleteMatthews location is still open; I drive by there every day on my way to work and the hot and now sign is always on. I also like the plain glazed ones best, but I will give these a try since I also love Cheerwine.
ReplyDeleteI think they'll only have the Cheerwine flavor in supermarkets, Anonymous 12:20. I'll let you know if I hear differently.
ReplyDeleteCan Krispy Kreme please open more locations in the Charlotte area? It's pathetic that they're a Carolinas-based operation & literally have one store in this area & it's out in Matthews. Sometimes ya gotta have a doughnut, and Dunkin just doesn't cut it.
ReplyDeleteI thought Tommy Tomlinson would habe written this.
ReplyDeleteWhat a compliment, Anonymous 12:42. Thank you. Tommy is one of the finest writers I've ever had the pleasure to work with or read.
ReplyDeleteThere's a store in Gastonia too!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to the Cheerwine donuts because Cheerwine sherbet and Cheerwine coated ice cream-on-a-stick have both turned out to be great. The only stores in which I've seen these Cheerwine products are Food Lions ... perhaps because both are based in or around Salisbury. Check 'em out! ... Bob
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of the Cheerwine ice cream, too, Bob. It makes great church punch.
ReplyDeleteAnon 12:29--there used to be more Charlotte locations of KK years ago, one on the old Independence Boulevard at Hawthorne Lane before they converted it to a freeway (my favorite KK growing up), and there used to be one on Albemarle Road at Central Avenue. Yes, we need more locations!
ReplyDeleteAlso try the Cheerwine Icee - its great to help beat the heat! But go slow or you'll get major brain-freeze. The quick-stop at the corner of Potter Road and Pleasant Plains in Stallings carries this flavor...
ReplyDeleteI'd also like to taste them.
ReplyDeleteThe bigger story to me is how KK can go so long without a store in Charlotte. I think KK has destroyed the brand by selling them in (horrors) gas stations. I will never buy a KK in a gas station. This past spring I had no choice but to take Dunkin Doughnut to school on "donuts for dads day." ...I felt like ... like... like a "yankee." ;-)
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ReplyDeleteThe Dunkin' Donuts at the corner of Graham and 6th close. Seems like a great location for a Krispy Kreme to reclaim Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteKrispy Kreme is part of our heritage and we love them. Nothing's unhealthy unless you over indulge.
ReplyDeleteI have tried buying them from a grocery store, much to our disappointment and never again.
I agree we need a Charlotte location. The store on Woodland was in an awkward location and no-one knew how to find it.
Krispy Kreme - COME BACK TO CHARLOTTE, WE MISS YOU.
Can't help but admit that many of my fellow Krispy Kreme lovers prefer to remain anonymous, as if we're ashamed(lol). Bring a HOT LIGHT back to Charlotte! We don't want salads all the time.
ReplyDeleteI imagine that we're also part of a growing trend that are reverting back to the real foods of our youth and long for bacon drippings from real bacon made by local butchers and not loaded with chemicals. Remember Grandma's green beans flavored with bacon drippings? What a shame - you can't even find a drippings container without going on e-Bay and finding "antique" drippings jars for over $50.
There used to be several KK's in Charlotte. Several factors led to their demise. People want the "hot" light always on. Nobody comes in the store if it isn't. The stupid low carb gimmick hurt them. Dunkin Donuts and transplants moved into the area, but ironically it was not Dunkin's 'donuts' that killed KK around here - it was DD's coffee. KK's coffee is awful, DD's beat most other brands (including Starsuck's) in blind taste tastes, plus the beans are roasted in Concord, NC. DD makes 85% of thier money on the higher profit margin beverages. KK needs consistency in donuts and a revamped coffee line in order to survive (and maybe even some sandwiches too). I personally have never liked KK's doughnuts - they are tiny, greasy, and send me to the bathroom. Now if we could get a Tim Horton's in Charlotte, everyone would forget about KK and DD quickly.
ReplyDeleteThr DD at 6th and Graham closed becaused the owner was operating under the DD but not paying franchisee fees.
Do all these naysayers mind if those of us within the normal weight and blood sugar ranges try just one? Or do you think everyone should be denied these treats? As for the other Cheerwine offshoots, I hated the cakes, thought the ice cream was pretty good and the slushies.....well, they are the best - unless you are a self-righteous, sanctimonious, stuff-shirted food Nazi.
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ReplyDeletePerhaps this is a controversial opinion to have around these parts, but I've always thought Cheerwine tastes like cough syrup.
ReplyDeleteNo Cheerwine KKs to be found at BiLo (WalMart Plaza on S. Tryon), Food Lion (S. Tryon below Whitehall), or Harris Teeter (Park Road) this morning (Thursday).
ReplyDeletei dont care why kk left, i just want them to come back! management, do you hear us???
ReplyDeleteKathleen,
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your articles, and the book "Eating Well on a Budget" sounds great and very timely.
I've never heard of Cheerwine donuts or ice cream or sherbert. I'll be on the look out at my local Harris Teeter.