Partnership Crumbles: McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme Call It Quits
McDonald Krispy Kreme menu changes mean fewer sweet treat options for fans as the partnership comes to an end. On June 24, McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme announced they’re ending their short-lived partnership, which had added three types of doughnuts to the McDonald’s menu in select locations.
The decision came after the companies failed to balance costs and demand, making the project “unsustainable,” according to a joint statement.
What Was on the McDonald Krispy Kreme Menu?
The partnership launched in late 2023 and expanded to about 2,400 McDonald’s restaurants earlier this year. Participating locations offered:
- Original Glazed Doughnut
- Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles Doughnut
- Chocolate Iced Kreme Filled Doughnut
These additions were tested alongside McDonald’s classic desserts like Oreo McFlurrys and Hot Fudge Sundaes.
Despite a strong start in Kentucky, enthusiasm didn’t scale nationally.
What Went Wrong?
Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth explained that while both companies worked closely on logistics, training, and marketing, unit demand didn’t match operational costs.
“Ultimately, efforts to bring our costs in line with unit demand were unsuccessful,” Charlesworth said.
A Delightful Trial with Sour Results
The project’s success in Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky, led to its expansion to Chicago in October 2024. During the promotion, customers could receive free Krispy Kreme doughnuts if they showed a valid McDonald’s receipt.
Initial success had even sparked plans for nationwide rollout by the end of 2026, which now won’t happen.
What’s Up Next for Both Brands?
- Krispy Kreme plans to expand its own distribution on its own when the McDonald’s Krispy Kreme experiment is over.
- Breakfast foods will once again be the company’s primary emphasis and a crucial part of McDonald’s menu plan.
- Despite this split, both companies conveyed their appreciation for the collaboration and mutual respect.
Source: USA Today
