McDonald’s is teaming up with Krispy Kreme, a globally recognized and cherished brand for sweet treats, to introduce Krispy Kreme doughnuts to McDonald’s menus across the United States. This exciting partnership, announced on March 26, 2024, promises to bring the joy of Krispy Kreme’s iconic doughnuts to McDonald’s customers nationwide, starting later this year.
For fans of both McDonald’s McCafé® and Krispy Kreme’s melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts, this collaboration is a dream come true. The national rollout will be phased, beginning later in 2024 and expected to reach full nationwide availability at participating McDonald’s restaurants by the end of 2026. This expansion follows a successful test run at 160 McDonald’s locations in Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky, where customer enthusiasm and demand exceeded all expectations. These initial locations will continue to offer Krispy Kreme throughout the national launch.
McDonald’s will feature three of Krispy Kreme’s most popular doughnut varieties, delivered fresh daily to restaurants. Customers can indulge in these treats individually or in boxes of six, available from breakfast time and throughout the day, while supplies last. The delectable doughnut lineup includes:
- The Original Glazed® Doughnut: Krispy Kreme’s signature offering, famous for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet glaze. This is the doughnut that started it all, a true classic.
- The Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles Doughnut: A delightful twist on the Original Glazed, this doughnut is dipped in rich chocolate icing and adorned with vibrant rainbow sprinkles, adding a playful touch to the classic treat.
- The Chocolate Iced Kreme™ Filled Doughnut: For those seeking an extra layer of indulgence, this option features a light and fluffy dough filled with a smooth Kreme™ filling, all enveloped in a luscious chocolate icing.
Tariq Hassan, McDonald’s USA’s Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, highlighted the strategic importance of this partnership. “Since introducing breakfast nearly 50 years ago, McDonald’s has consistently innovated its menu, flavors, and overall customer experiences, cementing its place in fans’ daily routines,” Hassan stated. “This collaboration with Krispy Kreme is a thrilling step forward, presenting new business opportunities within our breakfast offerings and throughout the day. We are eager to make it even simpler for our customers to satisfy their Krispy Kreme cravings at McDonald’s locations nationwide.”
Echoing this sentiment, Krispy Kreme President and CEO Josh Charlesworth emphasized the widespread consumer demand for greater accessibility to Krispy Kreme. “The most frequent request we hear from consumers is, ‘Please bring Krispy Kreme to my town.’ Partnering with McDonald’s on a national scale will give doughnut enthusiasts unprecedented daily access to fresh Krispy Kreme doughnuts and the joy that our brand represents,” Charlesworth remarked.
This partnership is set to significantly expand Krispy Kreme’s points of access. “By making Krispy Kreme accessible to consumers nationwide through this McDonald’s partnership, we anticipate more than doubling our points of access by the end of 2026. This initiative accelerates the growth of our Delivered Fresh Daily channel, enhancing operating efficiency through improved distribution and production utilization,” Charlesworth added. Krispy Kreme has been proactively strengthening its supply chain, support infrastructure, technology, equipment, and employee training to support this extensive Delivered Fresh Daily expansion, which includes the phased rollout with McDonald’s.
Both Krispy Kreme and McDonald’s have promised to release further details about the nationwide rollout in the coming months. As anticipation builds, customers can look forward to the sweet addition of Krispy Kreme doughnuts to their local McDonald’s, enhancing their McDonald’s experience with a beloved treat.
About McDonald’s USA
McDonald’s USA, LLC, is dedicated to offering a diverse menu of high-quality ingredients to millions of customers daily. A significant portion of McDonald’s U.S. restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent business owners. For more information, please visit www.mcdonalds.com.
About Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, is a leading global brand renowned for its sweet treats and iconic Original Glazed® doughnut. Operating in numerous countries, Krispy Kreme reaches customers through its doughnut shops, retail partnerships, and growing e-commerce and delivery services. Connect with Krispy Kreme at www.KrispyKreme.com.
