McDonald’s announces a partnership with Krispy Kreme to sell their donuts at fast-food locations.
The rollout of Krispy Kreme donuts at McDonald’s restaurants nationwide will be phased and completed by the end of 2026.
Driving the news: The partnership follows a successful test run at 160 McDonald’s locations in Kentucky and Indiana last year, where demand exceeded expectations. Krispy Kreme will provide three versions of their donuts – glazed, chocolate iced with sprinkles, and chocolate iced with a cream filling.
- The move could help McDonald’s boost breakfast and coffee sales, as well as compete with Starbucks and Dunkin’.
- McDonald’s franchise owners will decide whether to offer Krispy Kreme donuts at their locations.
- McDonald’s discontinued its previous breakfast pastries, the McCafé Bakery line, including blueberry muffins and apple fritters.
What they’re saying: Tariq Hassan, Chief Marketing Officer for McDonald’s USA, believes the partnership presents new business opportunities in the breakfast category and beyond.
- Krispy Kreme currently has 377 locations, mostly in California and the South, while McDonald’s has about 13,500 locations in the U.S.
- The deal will significantly expand Krispy Kreme’s presence and more than double the locations where the company’s products are available.
- The expanded partnership between McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme in Kentucky and Indiana is a one-year deal with an option to renew annually.
