Have you ever heard the delicious tale behind the difference between Crispie Creme and Krispie Kreme donuts? It’s a story that takes us back to the early 20th century and reveals a rich family history of passion for pastries. Let’s dive into the delightful history of Crispie Creme, a beloved local gem with a legacy spanning nearly a century.
Crispie Creme Donuts traces its origins to 1929 when Jack Renison, the great grandfather of the current owner, established the very first Crispie Creme store in Mulberry, Kansas. His journey eastward led to the opening of several shops in various states. Ultimately, Jack found his way to Portsmouth, Ohio, where he decided to settle down. It was a heartfelt decision driven by his desire to spend more time with his growing family, which included his wife.
In 1934, Jack Renison sold one of his donut shops to Vernon Rudolph in Paducah, Kentucky. However, it’s important to note that Jack didn’t sell the secret recipe but rather the shop itself, paving the way for a future filled with sweet success. Vernon Rudolph, inspired by the original Crispie Creme, began franchising donut shops under a similar name but with different spellings, eventually becoming the well-known Krispie Kreme corporation.
Crispie Creme, with its unique ‘C’ spelling, had already been producing their mouthwatering donuts for five years before their ‘K’ counterpart. As they proudly state, they are the true originals, ensuring the freshest products daily and never selling a day-old donut. Quality has always taken precedence over quantity for Crispie Creme, as they hold their family history dear and honor the legacy of their founder, Jack Renison.
It’s a heartwarming twist that there were no hostilities between Jack Renison and Vernon Rudolph. In fact, they were close friends. Vernon had even managed one of Jack’s shops for several years before venturing into his donut empire. The camaraderie endured, and they remained family friends for many years, despite the path their respective businesses took.
While some may wonder why a different name wasn’t chosen to distinguish the two businesses more clearly, history often unfolds in unexpected ways. Crispie Creme remains committed to its roots, family-owned, and operated for generations to come.
Their legacy continues in Chillicothe, Ohio, where Jim Renison, Jack’s son, opened a Crispie Creme location in the 1950s, building the current shop in 1964. This historic location stands as the sole Crispie Creme Donuts shop today.
Crispie Creme is only about a half hour from downtown Columbus. If you’d like to get a taste for yourself, you can swing by the shop at 47 N Bridge St, in Chillicothe. For more info, you can visit Crispie Creme’s Facebook page.