future uncertain
McDonald's teases San Antonio with futuristic new beverage concept
A few things will have to go right for CosMc's — or wrong for locals, depending on your perspective — if it's actually going to make it to San Antonio.
Possibly the world's most famous eatery is branching out a little beyond its more than 40,000 restaurants worldwide. McDonalds is not sure everyone will be lovin' this new concept, so it's testing it out first in 10 pilot locations, plus teasing an option in San Antonio.
The "small-format, beverage-led concept," according to a corporate article, is called CosMc's.
"As part of a limited test, the first CosMc’s location opens in Bolingbrook, Illinois, this month – with a handful of additional outposts planned in the coming months," says the announcement. "By the end of 2024, we plan to open approximately 10 CosMc’s pilot locations, with more opportunities for mood-boosting escapes across the Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio metro areas."
A rendering of the streetside sign suggests forthcoming retro vibes. Meanwhile, the messaging and menu images arranged in zero-ish gravity look more like they're targeting space. These two themes, of course, do fit together for a sort of corporate space age feel.
If anything, it's more odd that the color scheme keeps the McDonald's yellow (as preserved in a single golden arch, rather than the famous double arch), but ditches the iconic red for a cobalt blue.
Contributing to the spacey vibe, the drink menu is about "beverage exploration," and surprisingly co-opts a bit of wellness language, claiming "functional boosts" — although these mostly seem to be about gaining energy. (A turmeric spiced latte may be a cool worldly recipe or an omen of casual yogis to come.) A churro frappe might end up being a San Antonio favorite, alongside a s'mores flavor and plain old cold brew.
Non-coffee options mostly stick to teas and lemonades, plus some blended drinks. Customers can add "popping boba, flavor syrups, energy or Vitamin C shots, and so much more." A full menu gets more specific about ingredients and more standard orders.
Although it is beverage-led, the concept does also offer several food options that don't step much on the parent brand's toes. Most notably, Egg McMuffins make an appearance alongside two sort of Tex-Mex breakfast sandwiches: the "Creamy Avocado Tomatillo Sandwich" with bacon, and the "Spicy Queso Sandwich," which dresses up a sausage patty.
Also on the menu are McPops (a pre-existing filled fried dough bite from McCafé), soft pretzel bites, hash browns, and desserts. Perhaps the soft serve machine here will not be so tyrannical.
