Early risers in Bolingbrook, and possibly those who stayed awake all night, eagerly gathered to experience the first sips at CosMc's, McDonald's new beverage-centric, drive-thru-only restaurant concept.
According to a report from The Chicago Sun-Times, the excitement for the new McDonald's CosMc's restaurant started early, with cars lining up as early as 3:30 a.m. on December 8, despite the restaurant not opening until 6 a.m.
McDonald's New CosMc's Restaurant Draws 150 Cars by Noon
The report noted that 150 cars had formed an impressive line stretching down the road and around a nearby shopping center by midday.
Employees of CosMc's, clad in yellow coats, braved the cold to assist in managing the car queue. As the situation grew, police officers were called in to aid in traffic control, the Sun-Times noted.
Despite some customers facing wait times of up to two and a half hours, the enthusiasm for the new McDonald's venture remained undimmed.
The 40-year-old Glendale Heights resident Joanna Staffa found CosMc's on TikTok. In her car, she was waiting with Dana Matundan from West Side and Rea Unalidia, who was visiting from Virginia. They chose to stay at CosMc's as part of their day's plans, including going to Christkindlmarket.
The wait was like listening to music, so Staffa said, "It's been like an hour and a half of a Taylor Swift album." We've finished "1989." The middle part of "Red (Taylor's Version)" is over.
They were willing to order a range of things and were ready to wait as long as it took, citing their patience. The man said, "Once, I waited six hours for a hot dog."
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McDonald's New CosMc's Restaurant is worth the wait
In a report by The Chicago Sun-Times, customer Kevin Jackson shared his experience at the new McDonald's CosMc's restaurant. He mentioned running out of gas mid-way through the queue and having to leave for a refill briefly.
Despite this, Jackson returned to the line, noting, "It's worth it. It's probably better to go today than any other day. Most people are probably at work today."
Similarly, three customers in another car expressed their willingness to wait however long necessary to reach the front, indicating their high anticipation and patience for the new dining experience.
CosMc stands apart from a typical McDonald's establishment because it primarily emphasizes a diverse range of beverage offerings.
CosMc's, the latest addition to McDonald's, presents a menu blending familiar favorites with drinks similar to those at Starbucks. Their new selection includes exciting choices like specialty teas, lemonades, slushes, and frappes, with inventive names such as Sour Cherry Energy Burst and Berry Hibiscus Sour-ade.
Coffee lovers are in for a treat with various new brews, including a Turmeric Spiced Latte and S'mores Cold Brew. Customers can customize these beverages with flavored syrups, extra shots, and boba beads.
While CosMc's has had long lines since its launch, its ordering mechanism is speedy and efficient. Four order-through lanes are available in Bolingbrook. Food and drinks are prepared here as clients wait.
They then receive their order at a pickup window. Mobile ordering is expected in the coming weeks, according to the Chicago Tribune.
McDonald's is planning to open nine more CosMc outlets in Texas, mainly in Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio, by 2024.
The Bolingbrook CosMc's grand opening was a huge success, so expect long lines in these new locations
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