KRISPY KREME (KK), the US doughnut chain, managed to convert the ultra-thin Madonna and Nicole Kidman into fans of its famous glazed treats. Now Don Henshall, the 41-year-old managing director of KK’s UK operations, faces a bigger challenge: to persuade millions of Brits to give up scones for his product. If Mr Henshall is worried about the prospect, he was not showing it yesterday as he announced the opening of KK’s first European store. The outlet, to open in Harrods in October, is the first of 25 stores that the company plans to set up in the UK and Ireland during the next five years.
Mr Henshall stepped up to become KK’s top man in the UK last year after a year in the US as president of the chain’s international operations. He was born in the US to British parents, raised in New Zealand and his first job was as a Contiki tour operator. Now based in Britain with his wife, Jacquie, and two young sons, Mr Henshall is looking for potential sites within the M25 before expanding further afield. Tea-time may never be the same again.