McDonald’s Is Launching a New Chain Called CosMc | Eater

"An experimental small‑format outpost from McDonald’s in Bolingbrook emphasizes a digital‑first, drive‑thru‑centric experience with little to no dining room and subtle branding that uses a single golden arch rather than the full character motif. The concept’s menu leans heavily on specialty beverages—multicolored “galactic boost” drinks like a Berry Hibiscus Sour‑Ade, cold coffee creations such as a churro frappe and a turmeric‑spiced latte—and McCafé staples including McMuffins and McFlurrys, alongside two new vegetarian‑forward sandwiches, the Creamy Avocado Tomatillo and the Spicy Queso. Executives say the format is designed to capture a younger, more mobile audience and to exploit growth in digital ordering, delivery, and drive‑thru so the company can open in smaller, previously off‑limits real estate (with plans to test up to ten locations next year, nine initially slated for Texas). Early photos and reporting show a beverage‑forward offering positioned to compete with specialty coffee chains, while coverage has also noted broader concerns about the parent company’s labor controversies as context for the rollout." - Jaya Saxena