Starting Tuesday, September 16, McDonald's customers will get free coffee during breakfast hours-7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.-for the next two weeks in participating branches.
Greg Watson, McDonald's US Menu Innovation senior vice president, said that they want customers to remember how great their mornings can be with a cup of McCafe coffee and a good breakfast. The promo will run till National Coffee Day, September 29.
"We know our guests are busy, especially during the morning, and a free cup of coffee goes a long way in helping get their days started," said Greg Watson. This is the second time, from the first time six months ago, that the company's giving away free coffee. The event six months ago resulted to millions of cups of coffee given away within two weeks.
The goal of the company is not to just give away coffee, but for the customers to pick up their breakfast just to get coffee. Enthusiasts will also return time and again for more breakfast and more coffee, even when the promo period is over.
McDonald's hopes that the free coffee giveaway will boost their sales, after the global same-store revenues went down by 3.7%.
The burger chain is suffering through competitions as breakfast goers would rather opt for a quick fix of coffee and Taco Bell launched a breakfast menu earlier this year. McDonald's responds by offering free coffee first time in March and another this month.
The chain calls on their customers to share their "embarrassing pre-coffee" moments on social media sites such as Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #SipandTell and mentioning @McCafe. Selected social media users will receive gifts from the restaurant.
McCafe started in 2009 in the U.S. that featured their signature-blend coffee. After mcDonald's partnered with Kraft Foods Group, Inc., the company will soon offer ground, whole bean and single cup coffees in grocery stores in 2015.
