Doughnut Franchises Celebrate the Popular Treat on June 6
National Doughnut Day, which is celebrated on the first Friday of June, is one of the sweetest days of the year! The origin of the celebration dates to World War I, when the Salvation Army sent a group of women known as Donut Lassies to France to help boost the troops’ morale. The Lassies braved enemy attacks by serving doughnuts to soldiers from makeshift huts near the front lines. The first-ever National Doughnut Day, held in 1938 in Chicago, commemorated the work of the courageous Salvation Army Donut Lassies.
The Lassies’ efforts overseas brought a taste of home to the soldiers, which helped popularize doughnuts back in the U.S. once the troops returned. Today, Americans consume billions of doughnuts annually, spurring the growth of doughnut franchises.
Brands such as Dunkin’ and Krispy Kreme — household names with international fan bases that have delighted fans for generations — commemorate National Doughnut Day with freebies and limited-time offers. Check out the following listing of franchise brands following suit on National Doughnut Day, celebrated this year on June 6.
National Doughnut Day 2025: Best Restaurant Freebies and Specials
7-Eleven
7-Eleven kicks off National Doughnut Day on a sweet note by offering 50-cent glazed doughnuts to 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members on June 6.
Dunkin’
Dunkin’ is celebrating National Doughnut Day for the 15th consecutive year by offering a free doughnut with every beverage purchase. The coffee and doughnut franchise has also teamed up with luxury lifestyle brand Stoney Clover Lane to release fun merchandise including Dunkin’ Patches, Dunkin’ Iced Coffee & Donut Bag Charms, and the Dunkin’ Donut Pouch.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme customers get a free doughnut of their choice on June 6 — with no purchase required. The doughnut franchise is also launching its “14 Days of Original Glazed” campaign June 7-20, when loyalty members can purchase a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for just $9.99. Additionally, any customer who buys a dozen doughnuts on June 13 can receive a dozen Original Glazed for just 13 cents.
Paris Baguette
Paris Baguette has a great National Doughnut Day promotion, offering PB rewards members a free sugar mochi or mini twisted doughnut with a purchase on June 6.
Shipley Do-Nuts
Shipley Do-Nuts is celebrating National Doughnut Day with a month of “freebie Fridays,” beginning on June 6, when guests get a free glazed doughnut with any purchase. On June 13, customers purchasing a dozen doughnuts can get an extra doughnut for free, making it a “lucky 13” on this Friday the 13th, or a free glazed doughnut with any other purchase. Additionally, they get a classic Shipley glazed with any purchase on June 20 and 27. To snag the free doughnuts, visit the doughnut franchise’s website or use its loyalty app with code DonutMonth25.
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons fans can buy a doughnut on the brand’s app or website through June 8 and get a free one with their next purchase. Rewards members can grab a free doughnut with any purchase at participating locations on June 7.
