One of Winston-Salem's most iconic companies announced some big changes last week, but what the future holds for Krispy Kreme is still under wraps.
The rumors have been around for a while that donut giant Krispy Kreme might announce some layoffs, or maybe even move the company's headquarters. Now we know.
"[On Tuesday], we informed approximately 90 people at Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation that their positions are being eliminated. We deeply appreciate their contributions to the Company and will assist them as much as possible during this difficult time," said a statement from communications manager Sarah Roof. "We are committed to managing this transition smoothly and will treat every employee with respect and dignity."
So, the layoffs are happening, but Krispy Kreme headquarters is staying put.
Both are a big deal according to Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce President Gayle Anderson.
”It's always disappointing when we lose jobs here. But I think we're very happy that the corporate headquarters remains in Winston-Salem," Anderson says. "That's obviously important to us, not only from a prestige standpoint, but from a brand identity [standpoint] for both Winston-Salem and Krispy Kreme, since it was founded here.”
Still, the donut maker says it wants to be more nimble and convenient to customers. And it seems to want to raise its profile by opening offices in Charlotte and London.
But there are a lot of unanswered questions: how many employees will ultimately be hired or shifted to Charlotte, for example? And will the headquarters be destined to eventually move somewhere else?
Right now, we really can't know, though the company says its main offices will stay in Winston-Salem. But Gayle Anderson says the community has lived through major corporate shifts before, and will roll with what happens.
“We're going to continue to work with the folks at Krispy Kreme and encourage them to do more things here. And hopefully also work with the employees who will be losing their positions,” she says.
In fact, Anderson notes several companies have already been in touch with the Chamber to inquire about the employees.
All the attention to this story underscores two things: how respected the donut giant is in Winston-Salem; and how big a hole it might leave if more downsizing happens in the future.
The