Hello to everyone in Acorn Land,
For the past couple of blogs, we have suggested a few road trips that you could consider the summer traveling season just around the corner. So, what goes well with road trips? If you ask any child, you might recall the word McDonald’s, and the dislike of the Golden Arches might just give you some bad flashbacks of road trips past. Well, fear not! The people who brought you these Golden Arches are at it again, but this time, it might put a smile on your face if you were around in the 1980s and later. So, let’s buckle up the seatbelt and take a look at the new launch of an old idea.
McDonald’s has always been synonymous with all-American eats, a reliable pitstop for a quick burger fix. But get ready for a paradigm shift. They’re rocketing into uncharted territory with CosMc’s, a new restaurant concept that’s more like a launchpad for taste bud exploration than a drive-thru for fries.
CosMc’s is a spinoff restaurant franchise inspired by the (rather obscure) figure, and McDonald’s is boldly stepping into uncharted territory. Do you remember CosMc? An alien with six arms and a spaceship that used to wander McDonald’s in the late eighties. He may be a relic of the past, but CosMc’s is all about boldly venturing into the future. He’s back, and this time, he brought food, so get ready for a throwback!
For those who missed it, CosMc made his first interplanetary journey in 1987, where he crash-landed into McDonald land and was discovered by Ronald McDonald, Grimace, and the Professor (another character that has since faded into obscurity). The ragtag group’s initial interaction with the character introduces the alien as one who likes to “trade” (or steal) food at first. Fortunately, after a shared supper, things improved, and CosMc even called their cuisine “deliciously awesome.” Then, the alien turtle-shells back into his space suit, which also functions as his spaceship and zooms away.
McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski first revealed it would be launching the spinoff restaurant chain on July 27, 2023, in a Q2 conference call. The fun and exploratory nature of CosMc’s is embodied in this whimsical genesis narrative.
The news of CosMc being plucked from McDonald’s past comes after the extremely successful revival of Grimace. The Grimace Shake gave the enormous purple blob a viral comeback last summer, resulting in a funny fad that has received lots of views, with fans posting pictures of themselves sporting giant purple foam hands and using the hashtag #CosMcTakeoff. It appears that McDonald’s has a talent for capturing unanticipated nostalgia and is working with nearly 4 billion views on TikTok.
So, what can you expect from CosMc’s then? Given the popularity of the Grimace Shake, CosMc’s has an interesting and lighthearted menu, emphasizing customizable drinks and grab-and-go munchies.
CosMc’s is a space-age restaurant that combines elements of the 80s with space-age design to create an extraordinary dining experience. There’s no doubt about it, McDonald’s isn’t hesitant to take chances, and this new endeavor, led by CosMc, is guaranteed to be an adventure for both taste buds and retro mascot enthusiasts.
So, how would you describe this new restaurant? Imagine stepping away from the familiar red and yellow arches and into a world of sleek, futuristic design. Think “2001: A Space Odyssey” meets “Back to the Future,” a touch of chrome, a splash of neon, and a whole lot of 1980s nostalgia.
The real star of the show is the menu. It’s a cosmic playground of flavors, a far cry from the standard burger-and-fry combo. You’ll find some familiar McCafe beverages, but CosMc’s is all about customization. We’re talking swirling galaxies of flavor shots; imagine a Tropical Spiced Lemonade that takes your taste buds on a beach vacation, its sweet and tart notes punctuated by pops of pineapple. Or dive into a Berry Hibiscus Sour-ade, as tart and tangy as a trip through an asteroid field, with a vibrant purple hue that would make any alien jealous. Feeling sluggish? Blast off with a Sour Cherry Energy Burst, a potent concoction that fizzes and pops in your cup, the sweet cherry flavor masking a powerful jolt of caffeine. A low hum fills the air, punctuated by the occasional whoosh as baristas blend concoctions with futuristic shakers.
Coffee gets a cosmic makeover, too. Forget your standard latte at CosMc’s; you can fuel your interstellar adventures with an Iced Turmeric Spiced Latte, a golden elixir that arrives in a frosted glass and smells of earthy turmeric and warming cinnamon. It’s a taste bud adventure that promises a warm hug in a cup. Feeling like a sweet escape? Dive into a S’mores Cold Brew, a symphony of chocolate, marshmallow, and cold brew that’s like a campfire in a glass. Each sip is a delightful surprise, the rich coffee balanced by the creamy sweetness of marshmallow and the decadent richness of chocolate. For those who crave classic comfort, there’s always the option to customize your own iced mocha with a shot of espresso and a mountain of whipped cream, the familiar flavors a comforting anchor in this sea of space-age beverages.
Food isn’t left behind in this cosmic culinary adventure. While you won’t find a Big Mac on the menu, CosMc’s offers a selection of grab-and-go treats that are as delicious as they are unique. As you make your choices, a crew member with a giant purple Grimace pin on their nametag can’t help but grin. “The Hash Brown Bites are amazing,” they confide, “crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfect for dipping in that Spicy Queso you’re eyeing.” You take their advice, and indeed, the Hash Brown Bites are like tiny golden planets, addictive and delicious. The Spicy Queso Sandwich lives up to its name, the melted cheese delivering a pleasant kick that’s balanced by the savory sausage patty. Craving something sweet? The Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, studded with melty chocolate chunks the size of meteorites and a hint of sea salt for a sweet-and-salty satisfaction that lingers on your tongue long after the last bite.
The first CosMc’s launched in Bolingbrook, Illinois, in December 2023, and it was a smash hit! Lines were out the door (or should we say airlock?) with customers eager to experience a McDonald’s like never before. Apparently, people are ready to embrace a little weirdness with their lattes and burgers.
With whispers of a secret menu item containing popping boba and a color-changing syrup and more locations in Texas that have just opened, CosMc’s is poised to become the next frontier of fast food. So, next time you’re looking for a pick-me-up with a side of adventure, ditch the usual burger joint and set course for CosMc’s. You might just make a friend with a giant purple blob, discover a cup of joe that’s truly out of this world, and maybe even score a glimpse of that mysterious new menu.
It’s now time to take action and “get your motors running and head out onto the highways, Looking for adventure and whatever comes our way.” Don’t forget to load up the dog, Steppenwolf, and “Fire all your guns at once and explode into space,”… and maybe just stop at CosMc’s.
Until next time, have a supergalactic day, and live long and prosper!