McDonald's closes CosMc's but tests drinks in main stores
McDonald's shuts all CosMc's locations but plans to test its bold beverages in hundreds of U.S. McDonald's restaurants later this year.
McDonald's announced the closure of all CosMc's locations, ending its 18-month experiment with the beverage-focused spinoff. The fast-food giant will shut down the remaining five stores by late June, discontinuing the standalone app and loyalty program as well.
Launched in late 2023, CosMc's was designed to compete with chains like Starbucks and Dutch Bros by offering customizable drinks such as the Popping Pear Slush and Sour Cherry Energy Burst. However, fewer customers customized their orders than expected, and McDonald's now faces broader sales declines, prompting a refocus on core operations.
The company described CosMc's as a "learning lab" that helped test new flavors and drive-thru technologies without disrupting its main restaurants. Despite initial hype, the chain struggled to sustain momentum, leading to the decision to close all locations.
Instead of expanding CosMc's, McDonald's will test "CosMc's-inspired" drinks in hundreds of its U.S. restaurants later this year. A dedicated beverage team will oversee the rollout, incorporating popular flavors like the Churro Frappé and Turmeric Spiced Latte into the main menu.
CEO Chris Kempczinski emphasized that the test provided valuable insights into customer preferences, helping McDonald's refine its approach to the booming specialty drink market. The move comes as rivals like Taco Bell accelerate their own beverage concepts, intensifying competition in the space.
The five remaining CosMc's outlets—one in Bolingbrook, Illinois, and four in Texas—will close by late June. Customers are advised to redeem any loyalty rewards before June 23, when the app will be discontinued.
While CosMc's standalone stores are disappearing, its legacy lives on through McDonald's upcoming beverage tests, blending "out-of-this-world" flavors into the classic fast-food experience.
