n this photo illustration, a Krispy Kreme glazed doughnut is shown on May 12, 2022 in Daly City, California. Krispy Kreme reported strong first quarter earnings with net income of $4 million compared with a loss of $3.06 million one year ago. (Photo Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Starting March 21, McDonald's will expand its partnership with Krispy Kreme to approximately 160 locations across Louisville, Lexington, and the surrounding area.
The initiative was first launched in October at nine locations in Kentucky.
This expanded market test is designed to test customer demand for the popular sweet treats, which now includes three varieties: Krispy Kreme's Original Glazed Doughnut, Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles Doughnut, and the Raspberry Filled Doughnut.
"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," the company said in a press release. "This small-scale test will help us understand how offering new bakery items like Krispy Kreme could impact operations in our restaurants."
McDonald's has so far benefited from customers trading down due to inflation. The company recently beat Wall Street estimates for its quarterly earnings and revenue, in large part because it was able to raise prices without scaring off customers.
Krispy Kreme, likewise, has reported strong earnings on the back of price hikes. It is also increasingly relying on distribution partnerships to reach customers such as through Walgreens, Acme, and ShopRite.
If the partnership with McDonald's continues to grow, it could become a major source of revenue for the growing doughnut business.
HealthCentral CEO Justin Chase joins to discuss the drops app and its mission to combat medical misinformation and improve access to trusted health info.
Rob Thummel of Tortoise Capital breaks down oil prices, geopolitical risks, and what a volatile energy market could mean for investors and consumers this summer
Paul Dergarabedian, Head of Marketplace Trends for Comscore, joins to discuss Disney earnings, industry leadership shifts and the 2026 box office outlook today.
The new space race isn't about just astronauts, it's about data. Hawkeye 360 CEO John Serafini on satellites, national security, and the company's recent IPO.