McDonald’s Corporation (MCD) to Close CosMc’s Locations, Bring Drink Flavors to Core Menu

McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) announced on Friday that it will be closing its CosMc’s chain, a beverage-focused offshoot launched just two years ago.

McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) stated that shutdowns of the standalone CosMc’s pilot locations will begin in June, along with the discontinuation of the CosMc’s mobile app. The company made the following statement:

“The main goal of the CosMc’s test was to create a launchpad for learning for the McDonald’s System– and the insights we’ve gathered have given us a whole new way to get closer to our fans. We’ve learned so much, so quickly from the CosMc’s test. As part of this next testing phase, starting in late June, we will be closing all stand-alone pilot CosMc’s locations on a rolling basis and discontinuing the CosMc’s app.”

The first CosMc’s store opened in Illinois in December 2023, aiming to rival Starbucks and Dunkin’ by offering customizable drinks that traditional McDonald’s outlets typically don’t serve.

While McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) didn’t specify which ones, it said some of CosMc’s beverage offerings would be added to the main menu at its core restaurants.

CosMc’s marked McDonald’s first new US restaurant concept in over 60 years, designed to attract younger customers with vibrant, sweet drinks like frappés, lattes, and slushes.

Back in March, McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) indicated it was shifting more focus toward beverages within a newly created division, with one of CosMc’s leaders transitioning to help lead the effort.

Earlier this month, the company noted it had initially worried the drinks might be too complex for standard McDonald’s kitchens, but customer demand for customizations was lower than expected. It also found it could potentially boost food sales by offering the drinks in its regular restaurants instead of keeping them limited to CosMc’s.

MCD has surged by over 7.5% in 2025 so far.

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