Popular American doughnut shop set to open for first time ever in Hamilton, Ontario
Published May 1, 2025 at 3:15 pm
It might not have happened overnight, but a beloved American doughnut chain is making a slow and steady comeback after failing to truly catch fire in the Canadian market over 20 years ago.
Krispy Kreme, a popular restaurant chain known for both its buttery doughnuts and explosion in/subsequent retreat from Canada in the early aughts, is regrowing its presence in the country with a brand new location in Hamilton–the very first in the southern Ontario city.
Today, Krispy Kreme, which operates a number of locations in Ontario (including a landmark one in Mississauga that produces a whopping 48,000 doughnuts a day), announced it’s opening its Steeltown location on Rymal Road on May 13.
In a news release, the brand said the 4,600-square-foot space will include Krispy Kreme’s signature Hot Light Theatre Shop, which allows diners to watch doughnuts being made throughout the day.
The shop will also feature a drive-thru.
“Hamilton has such an incredible sense of community, pride, and momentum and we’re thrilled to become a part of it,” said Chris Lindsay, Co-CEO at Krispy Kreme Canada, in a statement.
“We can’t wait to introduce the magic of our hot, melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts to Hamilton!”
The brand announced that diners can expect promotions to mark the opening, adding that the first 12 guests in line will receive a Golden Ticket redeemable for a free dozen original glazed doughnuts every month for an entire year.
Krispy Kreme’s Canadian comeback started making headlines when the brand announced plans to open new locations in 2023. A little over 20 years ago, Krispy Kreme first gained traction in the country when it crossed the border and opened the Mississauga store, with plans to open more locations throughout the country.
The buzz was ferocious, which made the brand’s eventual retreat from Canada (with the exception of the Mississauga location) all the more shocking.
Krispy Kreme had planned to open another 31 stores after the 2001 premiere in Mississauga. However, they only made it to 18. Following the mid-2000s crisis, that number shrank back down to 11. However, as the years passed and the Mississauga location continued to be successful, something shifted. Now, the brand operates 19 locations across the country, with stores in Toronto, Quebec City, and Montreal.
– With files from INsauga.com