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CosMc’s, McDonald’s short-lived experiment in the world of fancy coffee, is officially coming to an end. The fast-food giant announced on Friday that it will be closing the remaining five locations of its beverage-focused spinoff by the end of June.
Launched less than two years ago, CosMc’s was envisioned as a competitor to chains like Starbucks and Dutch Bros. Eight locations were initially opened, one near McDonald’s Chicago headquarters and seven in Texas. The concept focused primarily on a wide array of sweet drinks and a limited selection of snacks, aiming to attract customers between traditional meal times.
McDonald’s stated that the CosMc’s pilot program provided valuable insights into flavor profiles and operational technology, allowing for rapid menu adjustments based on customer feedback. While the standalone stores are closing, some CosMc’s menu items may eventually appear on regular McDonald’s menus.
However, CEO Chris Kempczinski acknowledged that the complexity of some CosMc’s beverages, such as the matcha iced latte and the turmeric spiced latte, could pose challenges for broader McDonald’s operations. Other unique offerings included a prickly pear slushy with popping candy and a frozen sour cherry energy drink.