McDonald's Opens First McCafe in U.S.

Chicago consumers can now enjoy a wide selection of gourmet coffees, teas, pastries and desserts at McDonald's McCafe, which opens on May 2.

Menu items at McCafe will include cappuccino, latte, fruit smoothies, hot chocolate and premium teas as well as Chocolate Raspberry Rumble, Chocolate Carmel Peanut Pie, muffins, scones and more. Items are served on fine china with stainless steel flatware for dine-in customers. All menu items also will be available for carry out.

The ambiance at McCafe is designed for comfort and includes leather couches, chairs and bistro style tables as seating with vintage French posters, lace curtains and mahogany and granite accents decorating the space.

"We are aggressively looking for ways to grow our business under The Golden Arches, and McCafe gives customers another reason to visit McDonald's,'' said Alan Feldman, president, McDonald's USA. "People can experience the McDonald's they know and love, or explore and enjoy this new concept that will add a unique dimension to their visit. We'll be watching customer reaction to the McCafe concept closely to determine its potential here in the U.S.''

McCafe was first introduced in Australia in 1993 and has become a successful enterprise in 17 countries with almost 300 McCafes worldwide. McDonald's is introducing McCafe for the first time in the U.S., making this the 18th country to debut the concept. All McCafes are within or adjacent to existing full-service traditional McDonald's restaurants.

"As a long-time owner/operator of several Chicago area McDonald's, I am excited to introduce McCafe to my customers,'' said Marilyn Wright, McDonald's owner/operator for 25 years. "I believe the wide range of menu items and finest blend of coffees—all at a McDonald's value—will be a welcome choice for downtown workers, residents and visitors.''

McCafe is located in Chicago's Loop district at 115 N. Wabash. Hours of operation are 6 a.m.—9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m.—8 p.m. on Saturday; and 8 a.m.—7 p.m. on Sunday, the same as the traditional McDonald's where McCafe is located.

McDonald's is the world's leading food service retailer with more than 28,000 restaurants serving 45 million customers each day in 120 countries. Approximately 80 percent of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent, local businessmen and women.