Whether or not you’ve had the COVID-19 vaccine, Krispy Kreme has a freebie for everyone on Mondays through May 24.
Unlike the chain’s free doughnuts for the rest of 2021 giveaway that requires showing a valid COVID-19 vaccination card, everybody is eligible to take part in Krispy Kreme’s ongoing Monday promotion for a free medium coffee and a free Original Glazed doughnut. No purchase is necessary.
“It’s a new work week, it’s been a long year since lockdown so why don’t you take out a little time for yourself and have a nice cup of coffee and a doughnut,” Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme chief marketing officer, told USA TODAY. The Monday promotion is available at participating U.S. Krispy Kreme shops while supplies last. It’s not valid with online orders or with any other offer or coupon. According to the fine print, it’s not valid in Puerto Rico, Times Square, Dothan, Alabama or Uncasville, Connecticut shops. The deal was announced March 22, the same day Krispy Kreme kicked off free doughnuts for getting the vaccine. It also announced, “Be Sweet Weekends,” where every weekend through May 23 you get a “Be Sweet Dozen” for $1 when you buy any dozen doughnuts.
Krispy Kreme is offering up to four hours of paid time off for each COVID-19 vaccination for its employees. And it isn’t alone. Businesses including retailers such as Best Buy, Target and Trader Joe’s, have been providing paid time off to employees who get the vaccine.
While many companies are giving employees motivation, Krispy Kreme appears to be the first national chain to provide consumers with a treat. It has also given out free doughnuts on special occasions like Halloween for wearing a costume, Election Day and recently on St. Patrick’s Day for consumers who wore green. But the vaccine promotion has been met with some backlash.
Some critics took a swipe at the promotion, citing the health effects of eating a doughnut daily, especially during a pandemic that’s harder on the obese. Others said the offer discriminates against people who don’t want the vaccine.
“Hey @krispykreme, I love that you want to thank people for getting the #covid19 #vaccine! Every incentive helps & free doughnuts may help move the needle,” tweeted Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and visiting professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. “However, donuts are a treat that’s not good for health if eaten every day.”
