McDonald’s Shutting Down CosMc’s Chain After Less Than 2 Years
McDonald’s is closing the doors on its beverage-focused CosMc’s restaurants, just less than two years after debuting the concept. According to a report from People, the fast-food restaurant chain announced that it would be shutting down its standalone CosMc’s pilot locations on a "rolling basis" and discontinuing the CosMc’s app in late June.
The first CosMc’s location launched in Illinois in December 2023, and four other restaurants later opened in Texas. However, despite its initial excitement, the chain has failed to gain traction, and McDonald’s has decided to cut its losses. A pop-up on the CosMc’s website notifies customers of the change, stating: "Dear valued customer, on June 23, 2025, the CosMc’s Club loyalty program, mobile app, and web ordering services will be discontinued." The statement continues: "Please be advised that any earned points and rewards should be used before this date, as they will be forfeited after this date per our terms and conditions. We appreciate your loyalty and business. Thank you for your understanding."
As reported by People, during its nearly two-year run, the McDonald’s spinoff introduced a variety of "signature" beverages that were featured on its exclusive menu, including a "French Toast Galaxy Latte," a "Pistachio Swirl Shaken Espresso," and an "Island Pick-Me-Up Punch." The cafe-like outpost similarly featured specialty teas, cold coffee, and blended beverages, which could include add-ons like popping boba and flavor syrups, as well as energy and vitamin C shots.
CosMc’s also sold food items, including breakfast sandwiches, pretzel bites, and soft serve, alongside a few other standard items featured on McDonald’s menus. The locations were decorated with blue-and-yellow walls and had celestial imaging on staff uniforms. At the time of its first location’s launch, McDonald’s revealed that it intended for a limited test of shops for the “otherworldly” innovation.
Despite the closure of CosMc’s, McDonald’s now intends to use "insights gained from" the CosMc’s locations to offer drinks during an upcoming beverage test in the United States. As quoted in People, the brand wrote in a release: "What started as a belief that McDonald’s had the right to win in the fast-growing beverage space quickly came to life as a multi-location, small format, beverage-focused concept." The company continued: "It allowed us to test new, bold flavors and different technologies and processes – without impacting the existing McDonald’s experience for customers and crew."
According to People, CosMc’s locations were shut down on a rolling basis, with customers being informed via a statement on the CosMc’s website. The closure of CosMc’s marks the end of an experiment for McDonald’s, but the insights gained from the concept will likely be used to inform future menu and technology innovations.
The closure of CosMc’s is a significant development in the fast-food industry, and it will be interesting to see how McDonald’s adapts to changing consumer preferences in the future. As reported by People, McDonald’s is committed to staying ahead of the curve and providing customers with innovative and exciting experiences.
