Krispy Kreme Fans Can Get Doughnuts at Select McDonald’s for a Limited Time

The doughnuts will be delivered fresh to the QSR thanks to Krispy Kreme’s “hub and spoke” model.

October 19, 2022

CHICAGO—McDonald’s will sell Krispy Kreme doughnuts at nine locations in Louisville and the surrounding area starting October 26 for a limited time as part of a test. McDonald’s will serve the Original Glazed Doughnut, the Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles Doughnut and the Raspberry Filled Doughnut.|

The doughnuts will be available all day, in-restaurant and drive-thru only, at participating test locations while supplies last. Customers can order them individually or a six-pack of the Original Glazed or a variety of flavors. The doughnuts will be delivered fresh daily to the restaurants.

Krispy Kreme is able to deliver the doughnuts fresh because the chain uses a “hub and spoke” model of production hubs, which are either stores or doughnut factories, to make the doughnuts and then send them to retailers, including convenience stores and grocery stores.

“McDonald’s is always looking for ways to give our fans more of what they crave, and we often conduct tests to inform future menu decisions. This small-scale test will help us understand how offering new bakery items like Krispy Kreme could impact operations in our restaurants,” said McDonald’s in a statement.

According to CNBC, consumers are frequenting restaurants less as inflation impacts their budgets, so restaurants have been experimenting with promotions and new menu items to get people back through their doors.

McDonald’s said that lower-income consumers are spending less at its restaurants and trading down to cheaper items. The chain increased menu items in the high single digits earlier this year, yet consumers continue to see McDonald’s as a value leader. That value perception by consumers is likely to grow as the fast-food chain expands its digital business, including its MyMcDonald’s Rewards program, which was launched nationally last year. McDonald’s reported that digital sales in the company’s top six markets exceeded $6 billion, or about one-third of total systemwide sales.

Krispy Kreme’s CEO said the chain has strong pricing power because customers are willing to splurge on affordable treats like fresh doughnuts.

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