Krispy Kreme Causes a Doughnut Craze as Their First French Store Opens in Paris
The city of Paris woke up on Wednesday morning to an unexpected sight – a line of 500 people snaked around the block, eagerly waiting for the grand opening of the first Krispy Kreme store in France. The line consisted mostly of French people, braving the cold and sacrificing sleep to be among the first to taste the American doughnuts.
As the doors opened, the throng swarmed inside, flocking to place orders for dozens of doughnuts and indulging in the all-American experience of the chain’s cafe-style setting.
The unexpected success of American fast-food chains in France has marked a shift in the country’s culinary landscape. Brands like Popeye’s, Burger King, KFC, Starbucks, Domino’s Pizza and others have increasingly grown their presence in the country, appealing to mainly the younger generation in France. The rise of social media has influenced consumer habits, leading to a more casual approach to dining.
The appeal of American fast food in France has driven the success of restaurants like McDonald’s, which holds the top position in sales after the United States, and Burger King, generating 1.2 billion euros in revenue last year. Krispy Kreme’s French director general Alexandre Maizoué believes their appeal “is all about American pop culture” and their ability to cater to the likes of Generation Netflix.
The day of the opening was filled with excitement as fans camped out overnight to secure a good place in line, with some even winning free doughnuts for a year. With plans for a dozen more sites to open in Paris in the next three months, Krispy Kreme doughnuts are set to become a mainstay in the French culinary scene.
The success of American fast-food chains in France amidst the country’s deep-rooted culinary traditions shows a shift in consumer habits, driven by a more casual approach to dining and influenced by social media trends. While traditional French fare remains popular, American chains have carved out a significant presence, capturing nearly 30 percent of all fast-food sales in France.
Overall, the trend reflects broader consumer habits in France, where meal times have become less structured and demand for faster dining alternatives has grown, partly driven by the use of food delivery services like UberEats and Deliveroo.
As Parisians eagerly await the opening of more American fast food chains, the influence of American fast food, and pop culture, in France continues to grow.