Latest news with #CharlieNewberger
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
McDonald's to test new beverage lineup in select US markets
McDonald's has announced plans to test a new beverage lineup from 2 September 2025 across 500 store locations in the states of Wisconsin and Colorado, and surrounding US markets. The initiative aims to explore premium beverage options, drawing on insights gained from its spinoff brand, CosMc. The test lineup will feature options such as vanilla cold brew, strawberry watermelon refresher, toasted vanilla frappé, Sprite lunar splash and popping tropic refresher. McDonald's beverage category lead Charlie Newberger stated: 'We're not just adding drinks to the menu – we're advancing our global beverage platform that fits naturally with how people already enjoy McDonald's. 'We've got the structure, the tools and the team to move fast and scale what works. This first test in the US market is a big step in our global direction.' The test is designed to assess operational effectiveness and customer engagement in the US market. McDonald's highlighted the importance of restaurant teams and owner/operators in this process, noting that their experiences will be crucial in refining aspects such as equipment and execution to enhance the overall beverage experience for customers. McDonald's USA chief customer experience and marketing officer Alyssa Buetikofer stated: 'We're seeing real momentum in beverages, with more people – especially our Gen Z fans – turning to cold, flavourful drinks as a go-to treat. 'It's a great opportunity for us to meet our US customers' evolving tastes and show up in new moments, like afternoon refreshment or snack breaks.' In May 2025, McDonald's announced its plan to shut its standalone beverage concept, CosMc's. "McDonald's to test new beverage lineup in select US markets" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
McDonald's to Test ‘Dirty Sodas' and Flavored Cold Brews to Cash In on Drinks Craze
McDonald's wants to put more of its business on ice. The chain behind the Big Mac and Chicken McNuggets is gearing up to offer Creamy Vanilla Cold Brews, Popping Tropic Refreshers and other brightly colored, iced drinks. How McDonald's Lost Its Value Edge—and Is Trying to Claw It Back Intel to Lay Off 15% of Workers, Cancel Billions in Projects in Bid for Rebound Trump's Tariffs Are Being Picked Up by Corporate America A Failed Microsoft Security Patch Is the Latest Win for Chinese Hackers Israel's 12-Day War Revealed Alarming Gap in America's Missile Stockpile McDonald's plans to test-launch the range of coffees, refreshers and 'dirty sodas'—spiked with add-ins such as dried fruit and flavored syrups—at several hundred of its U.S. restaurants in September. The Golden Arches joins a broader fast-food industry push into premium drinks, which is powering sales for rivals such Taco Bell and Wendy's. 'The trends are all pointing in the same direction, and we can say that's driven by Gen Z,' said Charlie Newberger, head of McDonald's beverage and dessert offerings. The chain intends to learn what customers want to sip, and how the novelty drinks can be worked into the chain's busy kitchens. Beverages have been one of the hottest growth businesses for U.S. restaurants at a time when the industry has struggled to draw inflation-fatigued consumers. Sales at beverage- and snack-focused restaurant chains grew 9.6% in 2024, the biggest annual increase of any restaurant category, according to market-research firm Technomic. Burgers generated higher sales overall last year, but they grew 1.4% over the same period. That's putting fast-food chains into competition with coffee chains such as Starbucks, Dunkin' and Dutch Bros. McDonald's has estimated beverages could represent a $100 billion consumer market in the U.S., Canada, Australia and parts of Europe. The drinks tend to attract younger consumers and deliver higher profits for operators, according to executives. McDonald's took one shot in December 2023 with the launch of an alien-themed spinoff called CosMc's. The goal was to test the market for novelty beverages without gunking up the works in McDonald's existing restaurants—Chief Executive Chris Kempczinski's phrasing at the time. The company built a total of eight CosMc's locations in Illinois and Texas. The first stores initially attracted big lines of customers ordering Churro Cold Brew Frappés and dozens of other nonalcoholic drinks, but the sensation faded and McDonald's pulled the plug in May, saying CosMc's had served its purpose. Newberger, who also led CosMc's, said the sci-fi experiment was instructive. The Turmeric Spice Latte was a bit too edgy for the McDonald's crowd, he said, while its Creamy Avocado Tomatillo Sandwiches and other food options couldn't compete with McDonald's fries. 'The purpose of CosMc's was for us to push the fringes,' he said. CosMc's customers didn't customize their drinks as much as the company had anticipated, Newberger said, making it more realistic for McDonald's to offer a streamlined range of toppings and syrups for the coming beverage test. McDonald's will introduce around 10 drinks in roughly 500 McDonald's restaurants concentrated in Wisconsin and Colorado. The company also aims to test novelty beverages internationally, with different flavors. Europeans tend to prefer lemon, orange and mint drinks, while Americans prefer berry and citrus flavors, Newberger said. Meanwhile, Taco Bell recently released a line of fruity Refresca drinks, and later this year aims to expand a beverage-focused concept called Live Más Café within more than 30 of its restaurants. KFC is dabbling in the dirty soda beverage trend, while Burger King released a Frozen Cotton Candy drink this summer. Newberger said McDonald's aims to move swiftly to act on what it learns from the pilot. 'You can sense this urgency from us as an organization to get in,' Newberger said about drinks. Write to Heather Haddon at FCC Approves Paramount's $8 Billion Merger With Skydance The More Trump Pressures the Fed, the Less Likely He Gets Lower Rates Elon Musk Tells Tesla Investors to Focus on a Future Filled With Robots Is AI Killing Google Search? It Might Be Doing the Opposite UnitedHealth Confirms Civil and Criminal Justice Department Probes Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CBS News
6 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
McDonald's will test 10 CosMc's-inspired drinks at restaurants
McDonald's plans to test 10 new drinks in hundreds of U.S. stores as the restaurant chain seeks to quench Gen Z customers' taste for bold drink combinations. "We're seeing real momentum in beverages, with more people — especially our Gen Z fans — turning to cold, flavorful drinks as a go-to treat," Alyssa Buetikofer, McDonald's chief customer experience and marketing officer, said in a statement. "It's a great opportunity for us to meet our U.S. customers' evolving tastes and show up in new moments, like afternoon refreshment or snack breaks." The new drink lineup is inspired by what the fast-food giant learned through its failed coffee and drinks chain, called CosMc's, that McDonald's launched in 2023. The company shuttered the chain in May. Instead of operating standalone stores, McDonald's will bring a lineup of at least five different CosMc's-branded beverages to 500 McDonald's restaurants across the U.S. The drinks, which McDonald's describes as "cold coffees, fruity refreshers, crafted sodas and energizing sips," will first be available at restaurants in Wisconsin, Colorado and the surrounding areas, according to the company. Tew drinks include: The venture aims to expand and capitalize on growing customer demand for flavorful drinks. "We're not just adding drinks to the menu – we're advancing our global beverage platform that fits naturally with how people already enjoy McDonald's," Charlie Newberger, McDonald's beverage category lead, said in a statement. "We've got the structure, the tools and the team to move fast and scale what works." The drinks will be available in stores starting Sept. 2, according to the company. McDonald's recently re-introduced its popular Snack Wrap and Spicy Egg McMuffin sandwich as it seeks to boost sales and lure inflation-weary customers back to its stores. Same-store sales dropped 3.6% in the first quarter, marking the company's largest drop since the COVID-19 pandemic, when the the chain was forced to close stores nationwide.
CBS News
6 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
McDonald's will bring 10 CosMc's inspired drinks to restaurants
McDonald's said it is testing 10 new drinks to hundreds of U.S. stores as it enters the next stage of its "beverage journey." The burger chain said it's responding to Gen Z customers' preferences for bold drink combinations. "We're seeing real momentum in beverages, with more people — especially our Gen Z fans — turning to cold, flavorful drinks as a go-to treat," Alyssa Buetikofer, McDonald's chief customer experience and marketing officer, said in a statement. "It's a great opportunity for us to meet our U.S. customers' evolving tastes and show up in new moments, like afternoon refreshment or snack breaks." The new drink lineup is inspired by lessons the fast-food giant learned through its failed venture called CosMc's, a chain launched in 2023 that focused on coffee and other drinks, with offerings similar to Starbucks drinks. The company shuttered the chain in May. Instead of operating standalone stores, McDonald's will bring a lineup of at least five different CosMc's-branded beverages to 500 McDonald's restaurants across the U.S. The drinks, which McDonald's describes as "cold coffees, fruity refreshers, crafted sodas, and energizing sips," will first be available at restaurants in Wisconsin, Colorado and the surrounding areas, according to the company. Here are some of the new drink offerings: The venture aims to expand and capitalize on growing customer demand for flavorful drinks. "We're not just adding drinks to the menu – we're advancing our global beverage platform that fits naturally with how people already enjoy McDonald's," Charlie Newberger, McDonald's beverage category lead said in a statement Thursday. "We've got the structure, the tools and the team to move fast and scale what works. This first test in the U.S. market is a big step in our global direction." The drinks will be available in stores starting Sept. 2, according to the company. McDonald's recently re-introduced its popular Snack Wrap and Spicy Egg McMuffin sandwich as it seeks to boost sales and lure inflation-weary customers back to its stores. Same-store sales dropped 3.6% in the first quarter, marking the company's largest drop since the COVID-19 pandemic, when the the chain was forced to close stores nationwide.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
McDonald's Adds Fan-Favorite Item Loved by Chick-fil-A Customers
Fast-food giants often keep a close eye on each other's successes, and McDonald's latest permanent menu addition is a clear indication of that. In a bold step that could ruffle some feathers (and perhaps quench some serious thirst), the Golden Arches is venturing into territory long dominated by another beloved chain. Get ready for a tangy twist as McDonald's throws its hat into the lemonade ring, directly challenging Chick-fil-A's reign with its own highly anticipated version of the refreshing classic. On April 8th, McDonald's started to roll out a handcrafted lemonade across all U.S. locations, available year-round as part of the fast-food chain's permanent menu. Unlike the chain's previous Minute Maid version, this new lemonade boasts natural ingredients, including real lemon juice, lemon pulp, and cane sugar. While McDonald's new premium lemonade may seem like a fresh addition, it actually debuted in select U.S. locations in March 2023. The drink quickly became a fan favorite, generating strong demand and positive feedback. As a result, McDonald's has decided to roll it out nationwide, making it available for customers everywhere to enjoy. The nationwide launch of McDonald's new lemonade doesn't mark the end of its partnership with Minute Maid. The chain continues to serve Minute Maid orange juice at its locations, maintaining its longstanding relationship with the brand. As reported by Nation's Restaurant News, this national product launch follows McDonald's recent formation of a dedicated team focused specifically on beverages and desserts, alongside teams for chicken and beef. Led by Charlie Newberger, this category team is part of McDonald's broader strategy to enhance its competitive edge. CEO Chris Kempczinski explained, 'In so many of our categories we're competing against specialists, like a KFC for example, who single-mindedly is devoted to winning in chicken. This category team allows us to have that same level of focus to win in chicken, to win in beverages, to continue to win in beef.' Lemonade has long been a staple at fast-food chains, but Chick-fil-A stands out by making it a signature offering. In 1977, the chain introduced its freshly squeezed lemonade, crafted from real lemon juice and free from preservatives and artificial colors. This simple yet refreshing beverage quickly became a customer favorite, setting Chick-fil-A apart in the competitive fast-food landscape. The success of this lemonade prompted Chick-fil-A to expand its offerings, introducing a diet version sweetened with Splenda, frosted lemonade, and even selling it by the gallon to satisfy loyal fans. Now, with McDonald's entering the lemonade market with its own handcrafted version, the fast-food giant aims to carve out its space, potentially taking a slice of the market from Chick-fil-A. While McDonald's operates over 43,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries, Chick-fil-A has around 3,000 locations across 48 states. As TheStreet pointed out, this size disparity gives McDonald's a substantial edge, especially with its broader international presence, which is a key advantage in the competition for lemonade dominance. Read the original article on GEEKSPIN. Affiliate links on GEEKSPIN may earn us and our partners a commission.
