• by Tanya Gazdik , October 13, 2024

Krispy Kreme and McDonald’s are bringing glazed doughnuts to the masses.

The doughnut will be available in 1,000 McDonald's location by the end of 2024 starting Oct. 15 in Chicago and 12,000 restaurants by the end of 2026.

“The two companies last year began a test of doughnuts at 160 McDonald's restaurants in the Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky areas,” according to USA Today. “These pilot restaurants will continue to serve Krispy Kreme doughnuts during the nationwide rollout, the companies said.”

To promote the partnership, Krispy Kreme is giving a free Original Glazed doughnut to anyone who shows their cashier a McDonald’s paper or digital receipt dated between Oct. 10 and 14 at participating U.S. Krispy Kreme shops.

The top request Krispy Kreme receives from consumers is for more access to the doughnuts, said Josh Charlesworth, Krispy Kreme’s president and CEO, according to Today.

“As for the rollout to Chicago shops, Krispy Kreme noted that it will be delivering three of its most popular flavors to participating locations every day,” according to Food & Wine. “But if you want one, you better get there early, as odds are they will run out fast.”

The flavors are Original Glazed Doughnut, Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles Doughnut and  The Chocolate Iced Kreme Filled Doughnut.

While Krispy Kreme is rolling out the doughnuts, McDonald’s is also trying to get people excited about its own new menu item: Chicken Big Mac. 

“However, customer reactions have been pretty mixed,” according to Quartz. “Some customers are claiming the special sandwich doesn’t quite match up to its online pictures, while others are saying it falls short in the taste department. Others would like a spicy option.”