Krispy Kreme Partners with McDonald’s to Expand Nationwide Access

TFD –

Customers of McDonald’s may now enjoy Krispy Kreme doughnuts with their morning McCafe thanks to a new food alliance that aims to strengthen both brands rather than strengthen them.

Later this year, McDonald’s shops will start serving three varieties of Krispy Kreme donuts: original glazed, chocolate iced with sprinkles, and chocolate iced “kreme” filled. The companies confirmed this to CNN on Monday.

This is not the first time two rivals have formed an alliance. For instance, early this year, Wendy’s added Cinnabon to its breakfast menu. However, it’s a bold approach that might turn off McDonald’s franchise owners and damage the respective brands.

Customers have been resisting McDonald’s as prices have increased. McDonald’s chief financial officer Ian Borden stated earlier this month that some Americans with lesser incomes are choosing to prepare meals at home rather than visit the company’s outlets. In response to criticism about McDonald’s “affordability,” CEO Chris Kempczinski announced in February that the restaurant company would be lowering the cost of a few menu items.

To commemorate the relationship, Krispy Kreme is offering free glazed doughnuts to everyone who visits a location between 5 and 9 p.m. on Tuesday.

A test of adding a Krispy Kreme donut to a McDonald’s breakfast meal was conducted at 160 locations in Kentucky. After a staggered rollout starting later this year, the doughnuts will be available countrywide at participating eateries by the end of 2026.

Starting at breakfast, customers can buy the doughnuts individually or in packs of six, and sales will continue until the doughnuts are sold out.

In comparison to McDonald’s, which had about 13,500 stores in the US as of 2022, Krispy Kreme has much less locations. However, consumers can get Krispy Kreme doughnuts at other establishments, like Walmart and other supermarkets. The collaboration may broaden Krispy Kreme’s reach; the company has been expanding its supply chain to meet its daily fresh delivery commitment.

“We anticipate more than doubling our points of access by the end of 2026 by making Kreme Krispy accessible to fans nationwide through this partnership,” stated Josh Charlesworth, president and CEO of Krispy Kreme, in a release.