OAK BROOK, Ill. -- McDonald's USA relaunched its McCafe experience this week, introducing a new look, new cafe-quality espresso beverages such as recrafted lattes and mochas and expanded retail offerings.
The new beverages include:
- Caramel Macchiato—Available hot or iced, the drink features dark-roast espresso served with whole or nonfat milk, mixed with sweet caramel syrup and topped with a buttery caramel drizzle
- Cappuccino—A warm coffee drink prepared with whole or nonfat steamed milk, bold espresso made from sustainably sourced beans, foam and the customer’s choice of French vanilla, caramel or hazelnut flavor
- Americano—Freshly brewed with dark, rich espresso for a strong, bold flavor
For a limited time at participating restaurants, McDonald's will be offering any small McCafe specialty beverage, including the newest offerings, for $2.
Additionally, McDonald’s announced that in early 2018, McCafe will expand its retail presence by partnering with the Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, to introduce a line of ready-to-drink McCafe Frappe beverages in three flavors: Caramel, Vanilla and Mocha. The bottled drinks will join the current line of whole bean, ground and single-serve coffee available nationally in retail stores.
"This is just the start of our McCafe commitment," said Chris Kempczinski, president of McDonald's USA. "We understand how important the coffee culture is for consumers, and we are committed to meeting that demand at the taste, convenience and value only McDonald's can offer. This is a central part of our growth strategy and we can't wait to share what's next."
McCafe’s refreshed look and feel will include a new brand logo and packaging that will evolve with the seasons. Beginning in 2018, McDonald's will also be transitioning to an updated and expanded McCafe presence in-restaurant with a sleek, modern look that the company is calling the “Experience of the Future.”
"Our new McCafe beverages start with 100% Arabica beans that are freshly ground and skillfully made on demand," said chef Dan Coudreaut, vice president of culinary innovation for McDonald's USA. "Coffee traditions are part of our culture and our talented crew members have been trained to handcraft our beverages as we work to elevate our coffee experience."
The repositioned McCafe program also extends to the chain’s coffee makers. McDonald's has introduced new coffee equipment, allowing for the new espresso-based beverages to be handcrafted with a consistent, flavorful taste. With this rollout to nearly all of McDonald's 14,000 restaurants comes new training for crew members to ensure consistency and quality of the coffee for all customers.
With a history extending back to 1993, McCafe coffees, including lattes, cappuccinos and mochas, were added to the U.S. national menu in 2009, expanding to include blended ice frappes and smoothies, triple-thick shakes and limited-time seasonal offerings.
Quick-service restaurant chain McDonald's USA LLC, Oak Brook, Ill., serves a variety of menu options to more than 25 million customers every day.
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