MCDONALD'S TO OFFER KRISPY KREME DONUTS AT ALL US LOCATIONS BY END OF 2026

Matt Case - March 26th, 2024 - 7:00am PDT 

In a landmark partnership, McDonald's announced plans to introduce Krispy Kreme donuts across all its 13,500-plus locations in the United States by the end of 2026. The rollout is set to begin in the latter half of this year, with the integration process expected to span approximately 2.5 years.

This strategic move will see McDonald's offering Krispy Kreme's signature donuts, including the original glazed, chocolate iced with sprinkles, and chocolate iced cream-filled varieties. Customers will have the option to purchase these treats individually or in packs of six.

The announcement, initially reported by CNBC, signifies an exclusive collaboration between the two iconic brands within the U.S. market. However, details regarding the duration of Krispy Kreme's presence on McDonald's menu post-2026 rollout remain unspecified.

To commemorate the partnership's launch, Krispy Kreme has committed to giving away a free original glazed donut to visitors at its U.S. bakeries from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26.

Krispy Kreme plans to employ a "hub and spoke" distribution model to manage the increased demand. This model, already in use for delivering donuts to over 6,800 third-party retailers, involves daily shipments from production hubs — either Krispy Kreme stores or factories — to various retail outlets, including grocery stores and gas stations, ensuring the freshness and availability of their products.