Krispy Kreme Gives Away Doughnuts to 2023 Graduates

Krispy Kreme Gives Away Doughnuts to 2023 Graduates
Mary Vinnedge

On Wednesday, High School and College Seniors Can Pick Up a Free Dozen

Graduating high school and college students can save some dough on Wednesday. The 2023 grads can snag a free dozen of Krispy Kreme’s classic glazed doughnuts… with just one minor string attached. They must wear something attesting to their 2023 grad status: a graduation cap or gown (or both), a 2023 class ring, apparel emblazoned with their class year or a student ID.

Participating Krispy Kreme doughnut shops will do the giveaway while supplies last, so arriving early is probably a wise move. And, of course, you might be lucky enough to get ’em while they’re hot if Krispy Kreme has its lights flashing.

A Krispy Kreme Tradition

2023 is the fourth straight year that Krispy Kreme has honored graduates with free doughnuts, according to a USA Today article. And this year, there’s a little bonus – the box of melt-in-your-mouth confections is wrapped in a “Dough-ploma.”

In a statement from the doughnut franchisor, Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme’s global chief brand officer, noted that his company “started this during the Covid-19 pandemic, and we haven’t forgotten that the lives of this year’s graduates were heavily impacted by the pandemic.” Skena added that “we are thrilled to celebrate their perseverance and spirit the best way we know how: free original glazed doughnuts.” Charlotte, N.C.-based Krispy Kreme encourages the new grads to share photos of themselves and their gifts on social media using the tag @krispykreme and the hashtag #KrispyKreme.

© Copyright FranchiseWire 2026
Mary Vinnedge

Mary Vinnedge

Mary Vinnedge is an award-winning journalist who has served as editor in chief, managing editor and senior editor at national and regional publications, including SUCCESS and Design NJ magazines. She also held reporting and editing roles at The Dallas Morning News and Charlotte Observer newspapers.

Before Mary began covering franchise news and trends as a staff writer for FranchiseWire and Franchise Consultant Magazine, she developed articles on topics ranging from lifestyle, education, health and science to home projects, horticulture, gardening, interior design and architecture. These articles included her reporting on academic news at her alma mater, Texas A&M University, when Mary worked in the marketing department of the Texas A&M Foundation. She continues to be a news junkie and subscribes to several publications.

Today Mary and her husband are empty nesters living on Galveston Island near Houston. The couple’s blended family – scattered around the United States – includes five children, five grandchildren and two very spoiled, very barky miniature schnauzer rescues.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Find out the latest news and information about franchising's leading brands.

Send this to a friend