McDonald’s Pulls the Plug On Its Experimental Spinoff Chain
Drinks inspired by the short-lived CosMc’s will make their way to regular McDonald’s locations, though.
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Pour one out for CosMc’s. McDonald’s is shuttering the beverage- and snack-focused spinoff chain it introduced with fanfare in 2023.
All stand-alone CosMc’s restaurants will begin closing “on a rolling basis” in late June, and the CosMc’s app will be discontinued as well, the brand announced on Friday.
At its launch, CosMc’s was described as a “new small-format, beverage-led concept” that was “inspired by nostalgia and powered by a menu of bold, refreshing beverages and tasty treats.”
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Marketed with a retro vibe, the chain also promised to point to the future with new experimental technology and a menu “rooted in beverage exploration, with bold and unexpected flavor combinations, vibrant colors and functional boosts.” Ultimately, though, despite the hoopla, it opened only five locations — four in Texas and one in Illinois.
Now, the fast-food brand says, it is wrapping up its testing of the concept and rolling all it has learned into the everyday McDonald’s experience. Beverages inspired by those served at CosMc’s will soon be offered at “hundreds” of U.S. McDonald’s restaurants, the chain promises.
“Building on the insights gained from the pilot standalone locations, CosMc’s-inspired flavors will be landing at McDonald’s as part of the upcoming U.S. beverage test, seamlessly blending out of this world tastes into the McDonald’s experience,” the chain says. “With our new dedicated category team focused on beverages, we know we can bring more delicious and innovative drinks to more fans.”
Commenters on social media, many of whom had been begging for the chain to expand to their area, expressed sorrow in response to the news of CosMc’s demise.
“Super disappointing to hear that you’ll be closing all locations, rather than expanding to new areas,” wrote one on CosMc’s Instagram page.
“It’s sad to see this franchise closing,” another said.
“RIP Cosmc,” shared a third. “RIP.”
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