When 23-year-old Alabama woman Sha’nya Bennett learned she was expecting her second child, she never imagined that a Krispy Kreme parking lot would become part of his birth story. But when a rare winter storm hit the South, making roads icy and dangerous, Bennett and her partner, Keon Mitchell, found themselves unable to reach the hospital in time.
On the day before her due date, as Bennett’s contractions intensified, the couple rushed toward the hospital. However, the freezing temperatures and black ice made the journey slow and treacherous. Midway, Bennett’s water broke, and their son, Dallas, was born in the parking lot of a Krispy Kreme shop—with Mitchell assisting in the delivery while a 911 operator guided him over the phone.
A Dramatic and Unforgettable Delivery
Bennett recalled the chaos of the moment, saying, “It felt like I was in a movie.” As she screamed in pain, their four-year-old son, Legend, sat in the backseat, oblivious to the emergency, asking for her phone to play games.
Mitchell, determined to get Bennett to the hospital in time, had reassured her, saying, “We’re going to make it.” However, the harsh winter conditions made that impossible. As they reached a stoplight near the Krispy Kreme, Bennett felt Dallas’ head. Realizing they couldn’t wait any longer, Mitchell quickly pulled into the parking lot and successfully delivered their son before emergency responders arrived.
Unlike her first delivery, Bennett had no epidural to ease the pain, making the contractions unbearable. However, despite the unexpected circumstances, baby Dallas was born healthy, without any complications.
Krispy Kreme Becomes Part of Baby Dallas’ Story
As if the experience wasn’t already unforgettable, the birth certificate made it official—Dallas’ place of birth was recorded as “Krispy Kreme,” with his father listed as the person who delivered him.
The news reached Krispy Kreme’s corporate team, who responded with excitement. Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme’s Chief Growth Officer, said the company was honored to be part of such a special moment. To celebrate, Krispy Kreme has promised to host a birthday party for Dallas every year until he grows up. In addition, the family will receive free donuts for an entire year, and January 22 will now be recognized as a Krispy Kreme holiday.
A Sweet Ending to an Unforgettable Birth
While the winter storm made the journey to the hospital impossible, it led to an extraordinary birth story that the Bennett-Mitchell family will cherish forever. Baby Dallas’ unexpected arrival at a Krispy Kreme parking lot not only made history but also turned into a moment of joy for his family and the donut chain alike.
This remarkable event proves that even in the most challenging situations, life has a way of bringing sweet surprises.
