Overview

• The companies said the partnership, announced in March 2024 and paused in May, will officially end on July 2, 2025.
• By the time of its cancellation, Krispy Kreme doughnuts were sold in about 2,400 McDonald’s outlets despite plans to reach over 14,000 U.S. restaurants by 2026.
• Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth said that efforts to bring costs in line with unit demand were unsuccessful, rendering the venture unsustainable.
• McDonald’s described the doughnut deal as a small, non-material part of its breakfast offerings, which remain a core pillar of its strategy.
• Following the split, Krispy Kreme plans to focus on high-volume retail distribution and capital-light international franchise growth.