I like Krispy Kreme... But I'm not KRAZY

There is a new fashion accessory on the Tokyo scene-- Krispy Kreme donut bags, with at least ONE dozen donuts (most often 2 dozen) packed snuggly inside.  Since the grand opening of the Krispy Kreme store in Shinjuki last January, these donuts have become so popular that people are patiently waiting in lines 1 to 2 hours long.  SERIOUSLY!

I am in absolute amazement at the success (I am also inspired to open up another branch in Shibuy or Harajuku)  I'm no economist or business owner, but I can tell you that based on the success of this one store-- Mr. Donut is about to have some stiff competition in Tokyo's donut world (hehehehhe!).  Krispy Kreme has my vote!

So how did this all begin?  I remember as if it were yesterday-- On a cool and crisps winter evening in January, I was walking to the bookstore located in the Takashimaya building in Shinjuku when I saw it.  The Krispy Kreme store!  There were people inside working, cleaning, and organizing and a sign on the door that read "Open in 4 Days".   I was ecstatic!!!!!  So much so, that  I even told my co-workers all about, repeatedly.

You see, there are only a few things that I am a die-hard  supporter of and Krispy Kreme is definitely on the list-- (along with Gnarles Barkley!)

Anywho, I was excited to enjoy one original glazed donut in Tokyo-- frequently.  Thing is, the line to the freakin' shop extremely long.  And in true Japanese fashion, there is a series curvy lines and whatnot to assist patient line-standers with the wait-- there's even a Krispy Kreme line monitor who sports a serious look and a blue uniform (hahahahahah!!!-- I'm not making this up.)

Since the opening, every time I pass the store I smile, get a little pissed off @ the line, and think to myself, "I should take a picture of this because people back home just won't believe it!"  Well, I finally did take pictures over Golden Week.  It's seems that waiting in the Krispy Kreme line is some sort of amazing Tokyo experience.  In this country, it's definitely a conversation piece.  "Have you tried the new donuts?  I have-- I stayed in line for 1 hour and 40 minutes last Saturday and purchased 3 dozen!!"

Now, I like Krispy Kreme, but I'm not waiting in the line for more than 15 minutes-- and that's even a stretch.  FYI: Since the opening, I have enjoyed 2 original glazed donuts after organizing a Krispy Kreme day in my office.  It's true!)

Tell me, how long would you wait?

Here is a slide show of pictures I snapped over the weeked that I like to call-- KRAZY FOR KRISPY KREME.  The experience is heightened if you press play for the CRAZY video from YouTube embedded below.  Enjoy!

Comments

[Mel]

Hi!!! lol... This is the first time I've posted a comment on any of your blogs, and I'd just like to say that you're a really good blogger!!! :P

Lol... Even waiting 10 mins in a queue is long enough for me!!! But Kripsy Kremes are real nice lol... HeHe!!! The amount of time and the length of the queue that some of those Tokyoites don't seem to care about is really funny!!! ^^ But it really gets me thinking... Tokyo city life is said to be fast paced right? When it's not Golden Week, where do they find the time for joining these long queues?!?!?!

Stay cool!

Mel
xoxox

[Briana]

OMG that is way too long I would never ever wait in line that long for donuts. Yeah it is Krispy Kreme and all but.....I guess they never had name brand donuts or something??? Also do you have family in Georgia?

[Jo]

LMAO! I've passed that queue a few times and I think they're all nuts. I mean, I've never tasted a Krispy Kreme but, well, it's so Japanese to queue for a donut, isn't it? And in the freezing cold a few months back too. Insane. But predictable!

BTW - the music is VERY apt!

Jo.

[sana]

Hey! I've been reading your blog but this is the first time I'm commenting.
Another guy talked about this in his video blog and someone commented that in Australia, when their krispy kreme opened they had to wait about 3 hours to get in. ^^ and they waited in cars to get through the drive thru. haha. I just think they (japanese) don't mind waiting so long to try something new, not that they're just crazy for donuts.

btw, I love your posts, they're really interesting, they make me wanna see japan for myself!

[ampha]

I love these types of observations. This is like back in the day when people lined up for the opening of a new Krispy Kreme store and KKD's stock price was still flying high. Maybe this international popularity finally marks the beginning of KKD's recovery.

You'll have to act fast if you want to open your own franchise though. Bloomberg says Krispy Kreme Doughnut Japan Co. plans to open 40 stores in Japan over the next 5 years.

[zen]

No Way !
I do not even think they are all that!

To each his/her own.

but...Dayam :-)