CosMc's: McDonald's Aims for the Stars With New Starbucks-Like Chain

McDonald's just caused a disturbance in the universe, announcing a brand new, sub-fast-food chain dubbed CosMc's. The moniker was inspired by CosMc, an alien from outer space who was a McDonaldland mascot used in 1980s and early 1990s advertisements (if there's one thing McDonald's is doing a lot of lately, it's leaning into nostalgia to drive more business). If you've been waiting for an alternate universe-style Mickey D's to offer eclectic drinks you'd have never thought of along with desserts, breakfast sandwiches, and snacks, your wildest dreams are now coming true.

McDonald's just isn't big enough, y'know? The fast-food giant's net worth already exceeds $200 billion, but the chain is still branching its golden arches out and opening CosMc's. The company describes the new venture as "a new small-format, beverage-led concept that’s truly out of this world." McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski called the concept "what would happen if a McDonald's character from the 1980s that was part alien, part surfer, part robot" during an investor presentation announcing the news. 

As far as menu direction, CosMc's stands to rival the likes of Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts with an emphasis on beverages and an assortment of breakfast sandwiches and treats. If the menu feels all over the place, that might be because it intends to solve the "3 p.m. slump" that happens somewhere between lunch and dinner, when you feel unsure about how you'll make it through the remaining hours of the day without caffeine or sugar.

The first CosMc's is set to open in Bolingbrook, Illinois (near Chicago) and there are plans to open at least 10 more locations by the end of 2024 in the Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio metro areas. 

CosMc's opens in Bolingbrook, Illinois on Friday, December 8. Additional locations will open throughout 2024.

CosMc's menu is eclectic and all over the place. Where else can you get a Tumeric Spiced Latte, a spicy queso breakfast sandwich, an a caramel fudge brownie sundae all at once?

Yes, you'll be able to add things like popping boba, espresso, energy and vitamin C shots, flavored syrups, and sprinkles (including black pepper sprinkles) to your CosMc's beverages.