NEW YORK (AP) -- Krispy Kreme and McDonald's are getting together over breakfast.
The doughnut chain and the fast food giant unveiled plans Tuesday to offer Krispy Kreme products at McDonald's locations across the United States. A phased rollout is expected to start later this year, the companies said, with availability at participating restaurants nationwide expected by the end of 2026.
McDonald's didn't specify how many of its 13,500 U.S. locations -- 95 percent of which are franchised -- would be participating in the deal. But in a prepared statement, Krispy Kreme President and CEO Josh Charlesworth said the partnership would give customers "unprecedented daily access" to the Charlotte, North Carolina-based company's glazed, filled and frosted treats.
"By making Kreme Krispy accessible to fans nationwide through this partnership, we expect to more than double our points of access by the end of 2026," Charlesworth said.
Tariq Hassan, chief marketing and customer experience officer for McDonald's USA, said the deal marked a chance to "unlock new business opportunities" in the Chicago-based chain's breakfast category and the sweet items it sells throughout the day.
McDonald's plans to make three Krispy Kreme doughnut varieties -- original glazed, chocolate iced with sprinkles and a filled chocolate iced -- available individually and in boxes of six until daily supplies last.
FILE - A Krispy Kreme Doughnuts sign is shown on Aug. 11, 2017, in Miami. Krispy Kreme stock jumped Tuesday, March 26, 2024, after it announced a deal where McDonald's restaurants will sell its doughnuts across the country. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz, File)