CHICAGO — Doughnut lovers across the United States can indulge in free and discounted treats on Friday as National Doughnut Day returns, marking the annual celebration of the sweet fried pastry with promotions at major chains including Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’.

The holiday, observed on the first Friday in June, falls this year on June 5. It honors the Salvation Army’s “Donut Lassies,” the women who provided comfort and doughnuts to American soldiers during World War I, while also serving as a fun occasion for consumers to enjoy specials at participating locations nationwide.

The tradition dates back to 1938, when the Salvation Army in Chicago established the day as a fundraiser during the Great Depression. The Donut Lassies, volunteers who traveled to France in 1917, fried doughnuts for troops near the front lines, often using improvised tools like soldiers’ helmets as fryers. Their efforts boosted morale and helped popularize doughnuts back home when the “doughboys” returned.

“National Doughnut Day is one of our most joyful traditions – a moment to celebrate the doughnuts people love, the guests who inspire us every day and the simple happiness that comes from sharing something sweet,” Alison Holder, chief brand and product officer at Krispy Kreme, said in a news release.

Today, the day blends nostalgia with modern marketing as bakeries and fast-food outlets roll out deals to draw customers. While supplies last and at participating locations, here is a roundup of some of the top offers available on June 5, 2026:

Krispy Kreme is offering customers a free doughnut of their choice with no purchase necessary. The promotion includes classics like Original Glazed but excludes limited-edition and seasonal varieties. Additionally, buyers can get a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for just $2 when purchasing any other dozen at regular price, available in-store, drive-thru, online or for pickup and delivery with promo code BOGO2.

Dunkin’ continues its long-running tradition, providing a free classic doughnut with the purchase of any beverage for the 16th consecutive year. The deal is available while supplies last at participating locations, in-store or via the app.

“Jill Nelson, chief marketing officer at Dunkin’, stated that the chain is making the day even sweeter for guests with expanded celebrations throughout the week.”

7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes locations are discounting classic glazed doughnuts to 50 cents each for members of the 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards programs. Shoppers can also find packs of 7-Select mini doughnuts for $1.

Duck Donuts is giving away one free classic doughnut per guest in-store on June 5, with no purchase required and the offer limited to one per person.

Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken customers who spend $15 or more between June 5 and 7 can receive a free Korean doughnut with dipping sauce using promo code DONUTDAY when ordering online or via the app.

Lidl rewards members can redeem a free bakery doughnut through the myLidl app at participating stores on Friday, while supplies last. No purchase is necessary for the single-use offer.

Paris Baguette is providing rewards members with a free sugar mochi doughnut or small twist doughnut with a qualifying purchase on June 5.

Voodoo Doughnut has special perks for the first 100 customers, including a free foldable tote bag with purchase, and all doughnuts will be pink for the holiday. Fan club members can also score a free doughnut, excluding specialties, while supplies last.

Gopuff shoppers can save 20% when buying any two Crave Shoppe products, which include various glazed and specialty doughnut options.

Other chains like Shipley Do-Nuts are also participating with their own promotions, such as free signature glazed doughnuts with purchase using specific codes.

The deals come as Americans continue to embrace comfort foods amid busy schedules. Doughnuts, with their variety of flavors from classic glazed to filled and frosted creations, remain a popular indulgence. Industry experts note that limited-time promotions like these often drive significant foot traffic and boost sales for participating brands.

The Cultural and Economic Impact

National Doughnut Day has grown beyond its charitable origins into a nationwide marketing event. Chains use the day to highlight their products, foster customer loyalty through apps and rewards programs, and generate social media buzz as people share their hauls online.

For smaller independent shops, the holiday provides an opportunity to compete with big names by offering unique local flavors or community events. Some bakeries host donut-eating contests or donate portions of proceeds to causes echoing the Salvation Army’s original mission of service and support.

Consumers are advised to check with specific locations ahead of time, as offers may vary by store, require apps or memberships, and are subject to availability. Lines are expected to form early at popular spots like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’, especially in urban areas.

Health-conscious diners might opt for moderation, perhaps pairing a treat with a walk or balancing it with healthier choices. Nutritionists remind that while occasional indulgences can fit into a balanced lifestyle, doughnuts are best enjoyed as an occasional delight rather than daily fare due to their high sugar and fat content.

A Sweet Tradition Evolves

The story of the Donut Lassies remains central to the day’s meaning. During World War I, these women worked under challenging conditions, delivering fresh doughnuts to soldiers in trenches. Their resourcefulness — using limited ingredients and makeshift equipment — turned simple fried dough into symbols of home and hope.

When the troops returned, they brought a taste for the treat, helping establish doughnuts as an American staple. The 1938 Chicago event raised funds for the needy while commemorating that service, a dual purpose that still resonates today.

In 2026, the celebration reflects broader trends in the food industry, including a focus on experiential marketing and digital engagement. Many chains encourage customers to post photos with hashtags, amplifying the reach organically.

For families, the day offers a chance for fun outings. Parents can introduce children to the history while enjoying a sweet reward. Schools and community groups sometimes incorporate educational elements about the Lassies’ bravery into activities.

As the sun rises on June 5, doughnut enthusiasts are encouraged to plan their routes efficiently. Combining stops at multiple chains could maximize savings, though patience for lines and respect for staff handling high volumes are key.

Whether grabbing a quick glazed at the drive-thru or savoring a fresh, warm one in-store, the day promises smiles and satisfied cravings. It serves as a lighthearted reminder of simple pleasures and community spirit that traces back more than a century.

With dozens of locations participating, National Doughnut Day 2026 is set to be one of the sweetest Fridays of the year. Doughnut devotees are urged not to miss out on the deals, but to remember the humble origins that made the holiday possible.

The U.S. economy added jobs at a modest pace in May amid uncertainty surrounding the impact of conflict in the Middle East on the labor market.

What are the key findings of the May 2026 jobs report?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday reported that employers added 172,000 jobs in May. That figure is above the estimates of economists polled by LSEG, who predicted a gain of 85,000 jobs.

The unemployment rate held steady at 4.3%, which was in line with the expectations of LSEG economists.

Construction at Fort St. Vrain Generating Station in Platteville, Colorado, on March 9, 2026. (Chet Strange/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Revisions were made to the payroll numbers for the prior two months, with March revised up by 29,000 from a gain of 185,000 to a gain of 214,000; while April’s report was revised up by 64,000 from a gain of 115,000 to 179,000.

Taken together, employment in March and April was 93,000 jobs higher than previously reported.

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The Sunday Times rankings identify Britain’s 100 leading entrepreneurial businesses

A Gloucestershire brewery owned by television star-turned-farmer Jeremy Clarkson has been named the fastest-growing private company in the West Country. Hawkstone topped the Sunday Times 100 regional list after making £44.9m in sales in the year to March – a staggering 128.19 per cent average annual growth in the last three years.

“I know even less about brewing than I do about farming,” said Clarkson, who is the company’s largest shareholder. “But there are plenty of competent people who do and mercifully, some of them work here,” the 66-year-old added of the Hawkstone brand he launched in 2021 with business partner Johnny Hornby, 59.

Led by managing director Owen Jenkins, 45, the brewery now exports beer to 10 European countries, as well as supplying more than 2,000 UK retail outlets and over 4,000 pubs, including Clarkson’s own Cotswolds venue, the Farmer’s Dog.

In second place on the Sunday Times 100, which identifies Britain’s leading entrepreneurial businesses, was Somerset skin care brand Sweet Bee Organics.

The company was established in the kitchen of founder Hollie King in 2018 after the birth of her sons and racked up sales of £23m last year. It has also seen 118.6 per cent growth over three years.

Meanwhile, Cornwall’s St Ewe Free Range Eggs placed third in the South West, with 88 per cent growth over the period and sales of £77.1m for the year. The company was also recently named among the 22 best places in the West of England to work for by the Sunday Times.

The research for the Sunday Times 100 found that on average the top 100 fastest-growing companies have increased their sales by 108 per cent a year over the last three years to a combined £4bn – up by £600m on a year earlier.

In total, the companies employ 13,700 people, having created 8,900 new jobs in the last three years, with almost all of them planning further hires in the next 12 months – equating to around 4,200 additional roles.

“Celebrating five years of The Sunday Times 100 shows the amazing variety of British businesses,” said Jon Yeomans, business editor of The Sunday Times.

“The biggest trend over the last five years is the rise of consumer brands, with food, drink, fashion, and beauty companies now making up nearly half the list.”

Out of the 100 companies featured, 45 are based in London, 14 in the North West, 10 in the South East, eight each in the East of England and the Midlands, five in Yorkshire and the Humber, four in Wales, three in the South West, two in Scotland and one in the North East.

Of the businesses, 33 have female founders, co-founders or chief executives, including Ms King of Sweet Bee Organics.

The youngest companies on the list were founded in 2022, including the top company Goalhanger, beauty brand REHA and construction contractor City Grey.

The government aims to enhance Thailand’s silk industry through research, technology, and international promotion, benefiting farmers and producers by developing skills, establishing a Silk Yarn Bank, and improving product standards.

Key Points

• The central administration aims to expand Thailand’s silk and sericulture industry through research, technology, and international promotion, enhancing income opportunities for farmers, artisans, and producers.
• Key discussions involved Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat and other officials, focusing on improving silkworm breeding, silk-processing technology, and raw-material management to enhance competitiveness.
• Proposed initiatives include establishing a Silk Yarn Bank for community access to silk yarn, skills-development programs, and boosting recognition of the Royal Peacock Logo as a certification mark for authentic Thai silk.

The central administration is moving forward with plans to expand the country’s silk and sericulture industry through research, technology, and product development while promoting Thai silk in international markets. The policy seeks to increase income opportunities for farmers, artisans, producers, and entrepreneurs across the entire silk supply chain.

The direction was discussed recently by Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Watcharaphon Khaokham, and representatives of the Department of Sericulture. The department has been tasked with advancing silkworm breeding, silk-processing technology, and raw-material management to increase the value and competitiveness of Thai silk products.

Among the measures under consideration is the establishment of a Silk Yarn Bank, which would allow communities, weaving groups, and entrepreneurs to obtain silk yarn for production, with repayment or stock replenishment at a later stage. Authorities are also preparing skills-development programs covering silk production, product design, branding, packaging, business management, and domestic and international marketing.

According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn, the government is now working to boost recognition of the Royal Peacock Logo, Thailand’s certification mark for authentic Thai silk. Authorities also plan to develop a knowledge database and standardized guidelines for both traditional and modern silk-dyeing methods.

Source : Government Advances Thai Silk Industry Development

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Four Welsh firms have made this year’s Sunday Times 100.

Mineral water brand Ty Nant has been revealed as Wales’ fastest-growing privately-owned firm.

The business, based in Bethania, Ceredigion, is the highest ranked of four Welsh firm making up this year’s Sunday Times 100. The index ranks the fast-growing firms based on compound annual sales growth over the last year years.

Ty Nant is ranked 43rd having achieved a growth rate of 91.8%, with sales more than doubling to £18.1m in the year to end of March this year. Ty Nant’s growth has been supported by its acquisition strategy, which last year saw it acquiring Strathmore Water from AG Barr.

In 2024 it acquired brands Fonthill Water and Decantae Mineral Water from the US beverage giant Primo Water Corporation. The business returned to UK ownership in 2020 when it was acquired by its current owners in entrepreneurs Mr Sidhu and Bobby Nanua from Italian firm Biscaldi Luigi Import Export, which had acquired the business, which dates back to the 1970s, in 1992.

The other Welsh firms on the list are Newport-based de Novo Solutions, which is ranked 71st, having achieved an average annual sales growth of 68.82% over the last three years. It generated sales of £12.1m in its last financial year. The business is planning to create a further 50 jobs over the next five years.

Pembrokeshire-based natural hair product venture Hair Syrup, which was set by Lucie Macleod while still a student during the pandemic, is ranked 80th, based on a sales growth of 64.32%, with latest revenues of £6.2m.

Swansea-based bike and motorcycle locks manufacturer Litelok is ranked 82nd, based on a growth rate of 63.11% and latest revenues of £7.1m.

The research for The Sunday Times 100 found on average the top 100 fastest-growing companies increased their sales by 108% a year over the last three years to a combined £4bn in sales. This figure is up by £600m compared with the same table last year, with the 2025 cohort achieving £3.4bn in sales.

In total these companies employ 13,700 people, having created 8,900 new jobs in the last three years, with almost all of them planning further hires in the next 12 months – equating to around 4,200 additional roles.

Out of the 100 companies featured in the ranking 45 are based in London.

Gary Lineker’s podcast production and distribution company Goalhanger, tops this year’s index based on a 321% growth rate with latest sales of £37.9m .

Jon Yeomans, business editor of The Sunday Times, said: “Celebrating five years of The Sunday Times 100 shows the amazing variety of British businesses, led this year by the media producer Goalhanger taking the number one spot. The biggest trend over the last five years is the rise of consumer brands, with food, drink, fashion, and beauty companies now making up nearly half the list.

“Several businesses who have featured in the past, such as Huel and Applied Nutrition, have continued to grow and find huge success, from launching on the stock market to being bought out by global giants.”

Mohammad Kamal Syed, head of private bank and wealth management UK with Barclays Private Bank – sponsor of the Sunday Times 100- said: “Britain’s fastest-growing private companies are built by founders with ambition, resilience, and a clear vision for the future. As founders scale, achieving the right outcome is about more than value – it’s about securing the long-term success of the business and its people.”

For inclusion the 100 firms needed sales exceeding £250,000 in the base year with no drop from the penultimate to the latest year, in which total sales had to exceed £5m. The companies also needed to have posted a profit in their latest year of trading.

ATLANTA — Doughnut enthusiasts have a sweet opportunity Friday as Krispy Kreme marks National Doughnut Day with free doughnuts of choice at participating locations across the United States, no purchase necessary.

The promotion, available in-shop and at drive-thrus on June 5, aligns with the annual celebration honoring the Salvation Army’s Donut Lassies who served troops during World War I. Customers can select from a range of classics like Original Glazed, chocolate-iced varieties or filled options, subject to availability and exclusions for limited-edition or seasonal items.

“Stop in your local shop on Friday, 6/5 and get a FREE Doughnut of your choice, no purchase necessary,” Krispy Kreme announced on its website. The offer is limited to one per guest at participating U.S. shop locations.

A second deal sweetens the occasion: Buy any dozen doughnuts at regular price and receive a dozen Original Glazed for just $2. This BOGO-style offer is valid in-shop, drive-thru, online for pickup or delivery with promo code details on the Krispy Kreme site.

Details on Claiming Free Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

To maximize the free offer today, head to a participating Krispy Kreme shop or drive-thru. The deal runs all day while supplies last, though popular locations may see lines form early. No app or membership is required for the single free doughnut, making it accessible for walk-ins.

Krispy Kreme operates hundreds of dedicated retail shops nationwide, separate from grocery or convenience store counters where the promotion does not apply. Shoppers should verify local participation via the Krispy Kreme website or by calling ahead, as offers can vary slightly by market.

For those seeking more than one doughnut, the dozen deal provides significant value. Online orders require adding a full-priced dozen plus the promotional Original Glazed dozen and applying the appropriate code. Drive-thru and in-store redemptions offer flexibility for larger groups or families.

The History Behind National Doughnut Day

National Doughnut Day traces its roots to 1938 in Chicago, established by the Salvation Army as a fundraiser during the Great Depression. It commemorates the Donut Lassies — female volunteers who traveled to France in 1917 to support American soldiers in World War I. Using limited resources, including soldiers’ helmets as frying pans, they produced thousands of doughnuts to boost morale near the front lines.

The simple treat became a symbol of comfort and home, gaining popularity stateside upon the troops’ return. Today, the holiday on the first Friday in June serves both as a tribute to that service and a commercial celebration embraced by major chains. Krispy Kreme’s generous giveaway continues a tradition of sharing sweetness with the community.

Krispy Kreme’s Enduring Appeal

Founded in 1937 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Krispy Kreme has built a loyal following with its signature light, airy doughnuts and iconic “Hot Now” sign signaling fresh batches. The brand expanded globally but maintains its core focus on quality and freshness, often producing doughnuts throughout the day in full-view kitchens.

The free doughnut promotion highlights the chain’s customer-first approach, especially on a day dedicated to the treat. Past years have seen similar giveaways draw crowds, creating festive atmospheres at shops where staff hand out warm doughnuts amid smiles and photos.

Beyond the freebie, Krispy Kreme offers a wide menu including filled, iced and specialty varieties. Pairing a free doughnut with coffee or other items can enhance the experience, though the no-purchase rule means minimal commitment is needed.

Tips for a Successful Doughnut Run

Plan your visit strategically. Early morning or mid-afternoon may avoid peak lunch rushes. Bring friends or family to share the occasion, as the day encourages communal enjoyment. For larger quantities, combine the free single with the dozen deal to stock up economically.

Check traffic and store hours, as some locations open as early as 6 a.m. and close in the evening. Mobile ordering via the Krispy Kreme app or website can streamline the dozen deal, though the free single remains in-person only. Be mindful of weather, as drive-thru lines can lengthen during rain.

Health experts note that while treats like doughnuts fit occasional indulgence, moderation supports balanced diets. National Doughnut Day provides a fun, limited-time excuse to enjoy without guilt. Many participants offset the sweetness with a walk or sharing portions.

Broader National Doughnut Day Landscape

Krispy Kreme is not alone in celebrating. Dunkin’ offers a free classic doughnut with any beverage purchase, while other chains like Duck Donuts, 7-Eleven and Lidl provide their own incentives. These deals collectively amplify the holiday’s visibility and foot traffic across the food service industry.

Social media buzz typically explodes on the day, with users sharing photos of hauls using hashtags. Krispy Kreme encourages such engagement, turning individual visits into shared cultural moments.

The promotion underscores broader trends in experiential marketing, where brands leverage holidays to create memorable customer interactions. For Krispy Kreme, it reinforces brand loyalty among fans who appreciate the no-strings-attached generosity.

Looking Ahead

As National Doughnut Day unfolds, Krispy Kreme shops nationwide stand ready to deliver joy through fresh doughnuts. The free offer represents more than a discount — it embodies the spirit of celebration rooted in historical service and community connection.

Whether grabbing a quick treat on the way to work, surprising colleagues or enjoying a family outing, today offers an ideal chance to participate in this tasty tradition. With clear pathways to free and discounted doughnuts, Krispy Kreme makes it easy for everyone to join the fun.

Consumers are encouraged to act promptly, as supplies are finite and enthusiasm runs high. For the latest details or to locate the nearest shop, visit Krispy Kreme’s official site. In a world of daily stresses, a free warm doughnut provides a simple, delicious reminder of life’s sweeter side.