La Habra in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

First Krispy Kreme in California

Photographed by Craig Baker

1. First Krispy Kreme in California Marker

Inscription.
Site of the first Krispy Kreme location in California.
Established January 4, 1999.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is January 4, 1999.

Location. 33° 55.071′ N, 117° 57.944′ W. Marker is in La Habra, California, in Orange County. It is on Imperial Highway east of Beach Boulevard, on the left when traveling east. Located at the rear of the Chick-fil-A building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1801 W Imperial Hwy, La Habra CA 90631, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles

and in the Peninsular Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: West Coyote Field (about 600 feet away, measured in

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a direct line); La Habra Pacific Electric Depot (approx. 1.4 miles away); La Habra's Birthplace (approx. 1½ miles away); Stagecoach Stop (approx. 2.3 miles away); La Mirada Relay Station (approx. 2.3 miles away); The Original Hass Avocado Tree (approx. 2½ miles away); “Jesus Saves” Historic Replica (approx. 2.9 miles away); Union Veterans of the Civil War (approx. 2.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in La Habra.

Regarding First Krispy Kreme in California. Krispy Kreme was founded in 1937 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, by Vernon Rudolph, who bought a yeast-raised recipe from a New Orleans chef. By the 1960s, Krispy Kreme was known throughout the Southeast.

The 1999 opening of the first location in California was very popular. An ambitious expansion as a public company from 2000 to 2016 ultimately proved unprofitable. Analysts suggested that the chain expanded too rapidly after the IPO. Krispy Kreme donuts were sold in supermarkets and gas stations, creating further market saturation as well as increasing competition to its franchisees. All this expansion devalued Krispy Kreme brand's novelty, by making

Photographed by Craig Baker

2. First Krispy Kreme in California Marker

The marker is on the rear corner of the building. Today it’s a Chick-fil-A restaurant.

the once-specialty donuts ubiquitous. Beginning in December 2005, unprofitable stores were closed to avoid bankruptcy, including this location.

This building is now a Chick-fil-A restaurant. Originally, in the 1990s, it was a Kenny Rogers Roasters.

In 2025 a new Krispy Kreme opened at the east end of this shopping center.

Also see . . . Visiting - with Huell Howser. Half-hour video of the new Krispy Kreme location in 1999. (Submitted on May 12, 2024.)

Additional commentary.
1. Grand Opening
When this store opened, it was big news throughout the Los Angeles area. Some customers, including me, drove for two hours, stood in line for an hour, and paid fifty percent more than other brands, just to try the famous donuts.

— Submitted May 12, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.

Photographed by Kandace Gutierrez, April 26, 2026

3. First Krispy Kreme in California Marker

Chik-Fil-A was closed for a remodel for several months and had a “Grand Re-Opening” in November 2025. The marker has been painted white.

Photographed by Kandace Gutierrez, April 26, 2026

4. First Krispy Kreme in California Marker

The marker is on the rear corner of the building, above the post with the yellow top.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 12, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 4,492 times since then and 321 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 12, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3, 4. submitted on April 26, 2026, by Kandace Gutierrez of La Habra, California.