McDonald’s Launching Coffee Shop-Style Chain to Compete with Starbucks

McDonald's has announced a bold new effort: A coffee shop-style spin-off chain to compete with Starbucks.

The new chain is being dubbed CosMc's, which is a reference to an alien character first introduced in 1986 as part of the unique cast of characters of McDonaldland. CosMc was discontinued as a character around 1992. However, the official CosMc's website is spinning that disappearance as simply the alien experimenting and perfecting the CosMc's menu in CosMcland.

The CosMc's website states, "After millions and millions of aliens served, CosMc decided it was time to bring this menu down to Earth. To let humans order exactly what they crave with their own unique spin."

So far, the first CosMc's location opens in Bolingbrook, Ill. this week. After that, ten more locations will open in the Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio metro areas of Texas by the end of 2024.

So, what will CosMc's offer in the way of drinks and food? When it comes to drinks, there's a unique mix of Frappés, including a Churro Frappé and a Chai Frappé Burst. Other coffee drinks are on the menu, like a S'mores Cold Brew and a Tumeric Spiced Latte. There are even some tea drinks and other fruity caffeinated options, including the Sour Cherry Energy Burst and the Blackberry Mint Green Tea.

As for food, CosMc's will feature two new breakfast sandwiches: the Creamy Avocado Tomatillo Sandwich and the Spicy Queso Sandwich. Additionally, they'll have savory snack items -- like Pretzel Bites --  and sweet snack items -- like the stuffed mini donuts called McPops.

Of course, there will be some McDonald's crossover items, like Egg McMuffin Sandwiches and the McFlurry. Although, who knows how long ice cream menu options will last, considering the reputation for McDonald's ice cream machines constantly breaking.

The full menu offerings at CosMc's can be found at CosMcs.com.