McDonald's (MCD) Hamburglar may need to get up earlier in the morning as the fast-food brand ups its donut game.
On March 8, McDonald's announced that it will broaden its Krispy Kreme (DNUT) market test program to 160 locations in Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky.
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The expansion will launch on March 21 and will see McDonald’s adding three Krispy Kreme classics – the Original Glazed Donut, the Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles and the Chocolate Iced Kreme Dilled Doughnut — to its menu. The burger giant also announced it will make the Krispy Kreme favorites available all day in its Kentucky locations.
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Here's Why You Can Expect To See A Lot More Donuts At McDonald's
The two fast food titans first partnered up in October, 2022, with six-packs and individualized Krispy Kreme donuts available in McDonald's in Louisville, KY Krispy Kreme wanted expand its reach while McDonald's said that the partnership would allow it to test its customers appetite for donuts particularly in the mornings.
While the donuts were initially available at just 9 Louisville restaurants, the expanded rollout now brings them all over the city.
"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 February 23 statement. "This small-scale test will help us understand how offering new bakery items like Krispy Kreme could impact operations in our restaurants.”
The new expansion comes as McDonald's sharpens it focus on the breakfast market. Breakfast is an historically robust profit center for the company, comprising approximately 25% of McDonalds' U.S. sales.
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McDonald’s chief executive officer Christopher J. Kempczinski has championed the company's breakfast line, recently noting that for consumers, breakfast is “probably the most time-sensitive, convenience-oriented part of their day.”
That said, the three donuts will be available for purchase all day to test just when customers are buying them. The market test is only temporary, giving fast-food lovers the ultimate "two-for" from two dining-indulgence icons.
“They’ll only be here for a limited time, while supplies last – so run, dough-nut walk to your nearest participating McDonald’s to get a taste,” Krispy Kreme said in a statement.
The donuts are available online, through the McDonald's app and McDelivery and at the participating Louisville restaurants.
