Dunkin’ plans for ‘Croissant Donut’

Associated Press

NEW YORK

Dunkin’ Donuts plans to roll out a croissant-doughnut hybrid in the U.S. next week, but the company says please don’t call it a “Cronut.”

The chain tells The Associated Press it will launch its “Croissant Donut” nationally for a limited time starting Monday.

It comes more than a year after the Dominique Ansel Bakery in New York City introduced its now trademarked Cronut, which became a viral sensation and spawned numerous knockoffs. Last summer, Dunkin’ also introduced a croissant-doughnut in South Korea it dubbed a “New York Pie Donut.”

The Croissant Donut is one of several new offerings Dunkin’ has in the pipeline after reporting disappointing quarterly sales last week and warning it might struggle to make its long-term growth targets this year. Among the challenges the company is facing is increased competition, with chains including Taco Bell going after the breakfast crowd.