For many Americans, getting the coronavirus vaccine is a reward unto itself. But for Patricia Fasnacht, the shot has come with a sugary bonus.
Ever since receiving her first injection of the Pfizer vaccine earlier this month, Ms. Fasnacht, a 62-year-old resident of High Point, N.C., has taken advantage of a promotion by the Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corp., which recently announced it is offering a free daily donut through the end of 2021 at its U.S. locations to those who show their Covid-19 vaccination card. Ms. Fasnacht says she has already made a couple of visits and doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon.
“After being in my house for a year, I am happy to get out and have a sweet treat,” she says.
Officials with the North Carolina-based chain, which is part of JAB Holding Co. and has 369 locations across the U.S., estimate the company doled out 125,000 donuts tied to the promotion during the first 96 hours.
The push to get shots in arms has morphed into a kind of freebie frenzy, with businesses ranging from marijuana dispensaries to arcades promoting giveaways. The companies say the idea is to support the country’s vaccination program at a critical time during its rollout—and if a side effect is a boost for business, all the better.
