McDonald’s is closing its CosMc’s spinoff, which operates five stand-alone locations. The fast-food company announced that these locations will begin closing in late June as part of the next testing phase. Insights from these pilot locations will be used to introduce CosMc’s-inspired flavors in an upcoming U.S. beverage test at McDonald’s.
The closures follow nearly a year and a half after the debut of the beverage-focused concept in the suburbs of Chicago and subsequent openings in Texas. The primary objective of the CosMc’s initiative was to gather insights for the McDonald’s System, allowing the company to test new flavors and technologies without affecting the traditional McDonald’s customer experience.
CosMc’s, known for customizable beverages, will discontinue its loyalty program, mobile app, and online ordering on June 23. McDonald’s plans to incorporate some CosMc’s-inspired drinks in a U.S. beverage test within select existing restaurants. This test, in collaboration with franchisees, is expected to occur later this year, with further details to be shared in the coming months.
As of March’s end, there were over 13,500 McDonald’s locations in the U.S., with about 95% operated by franchisees.
