Krispy Kreme is rolling out ‘Friends’-themed doughnuts. But you probably can’t get any
CNN
Krispy Kreme’s newest doughnuts celebrate the 30th anniversary of the sitcom “Friends.” But while the show was set in New York, the doughnuts aren’t for sale in NYC – or anywhere else in the US. The new flavors are available only in the UK and Ireland.
Krispy Kreme’s newest doughnuts celebrate the 30th anniversary of the sitcom “Friends.” But while the show was set in New York, the doughnuts aren’t for sale in NYC – or anywhere else in the US. The new flavors are available only in the UK and Ireland. The decision has annoyed fans of the show (and of the doughy treats), with social media awash in comments ranging from annoyed to flat-out angry. “Friends” was produced by Warner Bros., which shares the same parent company as CNN. The kerfuffle underscores how these kinds of promotional items can bring extra attention and publicity to companies, especially as Krispy Kreme said in a recent earnings call that the doughnut maker is trying to keep its brand fresh for consumers. “We’re constantly innovating, constantly bringing excitement to the brand, and we’re fresh, fresh daily,” said CEO Josh Charlesworth on a first-quarter earnings call in May, according to a transcript made available by FactSet. Special doughnuts — like the “Friends” flavors now — helped drive consumers to stores, he said, such as Valentine’s Day or eclipse-themed promotions. But fans had a few words for Krispy Kreme on that score. “This is where I am just confused by the decision making process,” noted one commenter under an Instagram post by “Snackolator“ about the release. “Friends was a huge US show (I know it is big internationally as well, but come on), yet this is a UK thing.” CNN reached out to the commenter but did not get a response.