He changed the name to Dunkin' Donuts in 1950 and five years later, he made its first franchise deal. By 1979, the chain had grown to 1,000 shops in the United States and abroad. Last year, the 5,000th shop opened. Rudolph opened his first retail shop in Winston-Salem in 1937 and began opening more across the South. There are now more than 170 stores.
Doughnuts are big business.
What Krispy Kreme lacks in size, it makes up for in dedicated followers. Aficionados swear by the company's glazed doughnuts, particularly when they're available hot. When you bite into one it's like biting into a sugary cloud. Dawn Scartissi, a customer at a Dunkin' Donuts in Quincy, had heard all about Krispy Kreme, but had never been to one. I hear the doughnuts are supposed to be great.