Cyber Week Sale! 50% Off All Access

Cronut Creator Attempts to Whip Up Another Social Media Juggernaut Happy #NutellaPancakeDay.

By Kate Taylor

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Nutella | Twitter

The creator of Cronuts is trying to harness the power of social media yet again – this time, with the help of Nutella.

Dominique Ansel teamed up with Nutella today to bring the mostly British tradition of feasting on pancakes on Shrove Tuesday to New York City. The pastry chef and creator of the Cronut is handing out free Nutella Pancake Cones on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

With Ansel's history of heavily-hyped dessert mashups, from the Cronut, to the Chocolate Chip Cookie Milk Shot, to the Waffogato, Entrepreneur decided that it was essential we check out the giveaway.

Free Nutella Pancake Cones at Grand Central
Image credit: Kate Taylor

Nutella and Ansel have clearly learned from past social media culinary hits. The official hashtag, "#NutellaPancakeDay" was prominently displayed. There was a space off to the side to pose with cutouts of Nutella and other food items. After waiting in line for a pancake cone, everyone had the chance to take a photo with Ansel.


Related: Dunkin' Makes Croissant Donuts a Permanent Menu Item, Adds Boston Kreme Version

The overwhelming emphasis on social media promotion rubbed some Nutella lovers the wrong way.

"We don't have to take a picture with [Dominique Ansel], do we?" whined one woman in line behind me, annoyed by having to wait for each person to pose for a picture with the chef.

Ansel has turned churning out cute pastries that look great on Instagram and Twitter into an art form. Anything he is associated with is essentially social media catnip, especially for the younger foodie crowd. With Nutella as one of the most beloved brands in food, for the two to partner makes sense.

Still, even with – or perhaps because of – the social media emphasis of #NutellaPancakeTuesday, the one-day giveaway lacked the huge online explosion or the in-person presence that the Cronut demanded, and continues to demand. Maybe it was the more simplistic nature of the treat or an unwillingness to venture out on a cold day in New York City, but the frenetic energy the Cronut generates wasn't quite there.

The crowd waiting for free Nutella Pancake Cones at Grand Central
Image credit: Kate Taylor

Organizers were prepared for a line that would fill the enormous hall in Grand Central. While there was always a crowd, the line never got close to Cronut levels while I was there. For comparison, last year I arrived outside of Dominque Ansel bakery at 5 a.m. to get a Cronut when the bakery opened at 8 a.m. Today, I arrived at Grand Central at 11 a.m., and had two tiny pancake cones in my hand by 11:20 a.m.

Dominque Ansel may have made a business out of selling pastries for the social media era – but none are likely to rival the treat that started it all, the Cronut.

Related: Hello, 'Waffogato': Has the Cronut-Creator Gone Too Far for PR?

Kate Taylor

Reporter

Kate Taylor is a reporter at Business Insider. She was previously a reporter at Entrepreneur. Get in touch with tips and feedback on Twitter at @Kate_H_Taylor. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Growing a Business

Who Shapes a Brand — The Leader or the Audience? Here's What Really Determines Success.

Great brands thrive at the crossroads of leadership vision and audience engagement, balancing strategic direction with real-time feedback to stay authentic, relevant and trusted.

Growing a Business

How to Build a Winning Marketing Strategy That Sets Your Startup Apart

This guide outlines key strategies for startups to craft compelling narratives and effective marketing plans to overcome challenges and achieve long-term success.

Growing a Business

How to Eliminate Unnecessary Tasks and Focus on What Really Matters

Hack away at the unessential and reclaim your time.

Business Solutions

'Please Hold' is Officially Cancelled — How to Future-Proof Your Customer Service for Gen Z and Beyond

Customers are increasingly expecting better service. Younger generations are leading the way.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.