Krispy Kreme kicks delivery into high gear

Krispy Kreme is delivering on a key customer service enhancement it has long been piloting.

The quick-service coffee retailer is rolling out digital delivery at nearly all of its U.S. stores starting Saturday, Feb. 29. Krispy Kreme began testing online ordering and delivery in select U.S. markets in 2018. In July 2019, Krispy Kreme unveiled plans for a new store design, menu, and slate of customer services that would include delivery. Now, customers near most Krispy Kreme U.S. stores can place delivery orders via the retailer’s website or mobile app. 

To mark the occasion of its nationwide delivery launch, Krispy Kreme will deliver free doughnuts to dozens of hospitals on Feb. 29. Parents, families, doctors, nurses and other maternity ward staff at hospitals within 10 miles of most Krispy Kreme shops can post on Instagram and Twitter when a baby is delivered, citing the hospital, tagging @KrispyKreme and using #KrispyKremeSpecialDelivery. Throughout the day, Krispy Kreme will surprise families and hospital staff with deliveries of five dozen free doughnuts to celebrate “Leap Day” babies.

“Krispy Kreme doughnut delivery is pretty sweet, and so are Leap Day babies,” said Dave Skena, chief marketing officer for Krispy Kreme. “Using 2020’s extra day to make the leap to national delivery, while celebrating Leap Day babies, will be a fun moment for our brand and fans.” 

Krispy Kreme is introducing online delivery while major competitor Starbucks has been expanding the established on-demand delivery program it runs in partnership with Uber Eats to 49 markets in 29 states.

Krispy Kreme has nearly 1,400 shops in 33 countries.