Starting October 15, McDonald’s will begin offering Krispy Kreme doughnuts in select restaurants in the Chicago area, marking the first phase of a major partnership between the two iconic brands. By the end of 2024, Krispy Kreme doughnuts will be available in up to 1,000 McDonald’s locations, with plans to reach 12,000 stores by 2026. This phased rollout aims to bring three of Krispy Kreme’s most popular varieties — Original Glazed, Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles, and Chocolate Iced Kreme Filled — to a broader customer base.
Krispy Kreme is celebrating the launch by offering a free glazed doughnut to customers who show a McDonald’s receipt from between October 10 and October 14 at participating Krispy Kreme stores nationwide. This promotion is designed to generate excitement ahead of the larger expansion.
Strategic Growth for Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme’s collaboration with McDonald’s is a significant step in its strategy to expand its reach, doubling the number of touchpoints across the U.S. compared to its market presence during the early testing phase. This partnership follows successful market tests in Kentucky in late 2022 and a March 2024 announcement to scale operations nationwide.
To support the rollout, Krispy Kreme is investing heavily in expanding its production capabilities. According to CEO Josh Charlesworth, the company is upgrading doughnut production lines, hiring manufacturing experts, and optimizing its logistics network. These improvements will ensure consistent delivery to McDonald’s locations and other retail partners like Target, Kroger, and Walmart, as Krispy Kreme plans to extend its footprint further.
Filling McDonald’s Menu Gap
The introduction of Krispy Kreme doughnuts fills a gap in McDonald’s menu left by the discontinuation of its McCafe bakery lineup last year. By offering a beloved brand like Krispy Kreme, McDonald’s is enhancing its dessert offerings while giving customers a familiar and high-quality product.
In the Chicago region, Krispy Kreme’s three existing production and distribution hubs make it an ideal location to begin this partnership’s expansion. The company plans to add 30 more production hubs in the coming years to support further partnerships and meet the increased demand resulting from the McDonald’s collaboration.
Future Outlook
Krispy Kreme’s partnership with McDonald’s is expected to be a game-changer for the doughnut maker, providing a major boost to its Delivered Fresh Daily business. Charlesworth noted that the McDonald’s expansion will allow Krispy Kreme to accelerate its growth and expand into new retail markets. This partnership reflects the company’s broader strategy to scale its business and bring its popular doughnuts to a wider audience.