McDonalds Open New Drive-Thru Food Chain

(Scypre.com) – In the bustling town of Bolingbrook, Illinois, McDonald’s has unleashed its latest sensation – CosMc’s. This sleek, drive-thru-only joint is causing quite a stir, with enthusiastic customers enduring hours-long wait times just to savor the delights of custom beverages and snacks.

During its opening week, CosMc’s, touted as a “small-format, beverage-led” concept, proved so popular that local police were enlisted to direct traffic around the pilot store. Situated about 30 miles from Chicago, in Bolingbrook, the demand was so intense that some customers patiently waited for four hours before getting their hands on coveted items like the Creamy Avocado Tomatillo Sandwich and Citrus and Cream Shake.

One such customer, Kristina Buchthal Alkass, shared her experience, emphasizing that the lengthy wait was undoubtedly worth it. “The food was delicious,” Alkass told FOX Business, “not only for the delicious food, but also because there was so much anticipation around the new concept. I loved seeing the employees decked out in CosMc’s colors, and everyone with whom I interacted seemed happy to share the new menu items.”

For Alkass, a seasoned McDonald’s enthusiast who had covered the franchise in her former role as a senior editor for Restaurants & Institutions magazine, the grand opening of CosMc’s was a special occasion. Her glowing review on Facebook described CosMc’s as “delicious and exciting,” praising the custom menu options.

However, CosMc’s is more than just a rebranded McDonald’s; it’s positioned as the fast-food giant’s response to Starbucks. Alkass drew parallels between the two, noting that CosMc’s specializes in custom beverages and snacks, diverging from traditional McDonald’s locations that focus on meals.

In terms of pricing, Alkass commended CosMc’s, asserting that it offers a better deal than its Seattle-based competitor. “The prices are definitely fair,” she told FOX Business, emphasizing that the menu items are reasonably priced, with several options falling in the $2 to $4 range.

CosMc’s menu features tempting items like the Creamy Avocado Tomatillo Sandwich priced at $5.99, a Citrus and Cream Shake for $3.79, and Pretzel Bites with Spicy Queso Sauce at $3.99. Even a medium-sized Popping Pear Slush can be yours for $5.39. Alkass compared the prices favorably to Starbucks, highlighting the affordability of a custom beverage and a hot snack for less than $10 per person.

Google reviews from CosMc’s patrons echo Alkass’s sentiments, praising the delectable food and reasonable prices. However, a recurring complaint revolves around the long wait times and the absence of indoor seating. One reviewer suggested that the store stops allowing people in line at 4 p.m. and closes at 8 p.m.

Despite some reservations about the wait times, Alkass believes in the potential success of CosMc’s drive-thru-only format. She anticipates that the service will become more efficient as the new concept finds its rhythm, especially with the promise of online ordering on the horizon.

Looking ahead, McDonald’s plans to open around 10 more CosMc’s locations in Texas by the end of 2024 as part of its pilot program, focusing on the Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio areas. Alkass remains optimistic about CosMc’s national success, stating, “People will absolutely enjoy CosMc’s. I don’t think its success will be limited by geography.”

In conclusion, Alkass’s final thoughts capture the essence of every successful food concept – a desire to return. “I live about 45 minutes from CosMc’s, so I plan to go back every time I’m in the Bolingbrook area.” As CosMc’s continues to captivate taste buds, only time will reveal the extent of its impact on the fast-food landscape.