Krispy Kreme Opens Its First Store In France With Delicious Results

Christmas came a little early for France, as its citizens got to celebrate the grand opening of the country's very first Krispy Kreme store. The legendary doughnut shop opened its doors in France on Wednesday, December 6 in Paris.

Krispy Kreme has been an institution for southern sweets since its founding in Winston-Salem, North Carolina over 80 years ago. And now Paris will have to change its nickname to the City of Hot Light, as its warm glow will beckon Parisians to taste the delectable doughnuts.

The grand opening of the store was treated with all the pomp and circumstance that every person who's tried Krispy Kreme knows it deserves. In the weeks leading up to the event, Krispy Kreme launched a massive campaign in which over 100,000 free doughnuts were handed out in different locations across the city.

This all culminated in an event that felt more like the opening of an art gala than a doughnut shop. The scene was complete with a red carpet along the street and even a live DJ playing music as customers crowded around the store.

Krispy Kreme's director general for France, Alexandre Maizoue boasted in an interview with AFP that about 3,000 customers came to the store on its opening day, making the event a smashing success.

The store's already booming popularity among Paris residents gives Maizoue confidence in their future prospects, as he explains in the same interview. "I think we have some great years ahead of us," he said.

In addition to the new store in France, the Krispy Kreme director general also promises home delivery of the baked goods starting next year, a new production site, and putting the yummy doughnuts in 500 stores within the next five years.

Potlucks, which involve people bringing their preferred dishes to share at a gathering, have become a common practice, whether hosted in someone's home or at the office. Dishes range from sweet treats to savory options, with each person contributing their favorites that sometimes wow the crowd but sometimes miss the mark.

Opinions about potlucks tend to differ. Some find them enjoyable, while others may not share the same enthusiasm. People have different approaches when they are in the kitchen. Confidence in the cleanliness of a friend or relative's kitchen and their hygiene practices can contribute to a more comfortable potluck experience.

However, a different dynamic arises when dealing with work luncheons or potlucks involving less familiar faces. Unpleasant memories may surface, such as the cringe-worthy video of a woman using the same spoon to feed her dog and stir her dish before serving it to someone. Such instances highlight the potential challenges of potluck gatherings.

While potlucks offer the promise of enjoyable times, they also present the possibility of mishaps. The diversity of dishes introduces an element of unpredictability, with certain options consistently being avoided, ranging from overcooked lasagna to underdone meat. No one wants to be responsible for ruining a potluck.

Achieving success in a potluck requires careful coordination of various elements. Regardless of if it’s a last-minute event, organizational skills are key. Implementing a sign-up sheet or getting insight into attendees' contributions ensures a structured approach, while still allowing for creativity. Categories such as appetizers, main dishes, side dishes, salads, desserts, and beverages can be added to inspire creativity and guarantee a well-rounded spread, avoiding the awkwardness of a lopsided menu.

Despite not being able to control every aspect, there are several ways to navigate potential potluck fails. To guide you through the potluck experience, we've compiled a list of potluck etiquette that aims to create a smooth and enjoyable gathering. Check a few below.

If you commit to bringing something to the potluck, stick to your word! If you've signed up to whip up a red velvet cake, don't surprise everyone with cookies or a dip. Deviating from your agreed-upon dish can create a gap in the spread, so be consistent.

Consider others' food sensitivities. While it's impossible to know everyone's allergies, you can be considerate by creating a sign with the list of ingredients for your dish. This way, those with sensitivities can make informed choices. For example, if your chili is a meaty, spicy masterpiece, give a heads-up to the attendees.

Communicate your allergies or sensitivities to the host. If you have significant food sensitivities or allergies and are invited to a potluck, inform the host. Alternatively, bring your own dish. It ensures you have a safe option to enjoy at the event.

Don't skimp on contributions. If you've chosen to bring soda, make sure you bring enough of a recognizable brand for everyone. It's not cool to bring a small quantity of generic soda and then feast on other items, leaving little for everyone else.

When you bring a dish to someone's event, whether it's an acquaintance's dinner party or a friend's potluck, consider it a gift without expecting to get the leftovers back. Once the dish is given to the host or placed for serving, it's no longer yours, including unopened items. If the host insists you take leftovers, then go ahead and enjoy them.