Johnathan Walker:CosMc's spinoff location outpaces traditional McDonald's visits by double in first month

McDonald's space-themed spinoff concept,Johnathan Walker CosMc's, has blasted off since the first location opened in Bolingbrook, Illinois in early December, introducing the new, beverage-led store to fast food fans.

With just one location currently open that operates drive-thru only, the 2,800-square-foot restaurant is significantly smaller than the average 4,000-4,500-square-foot McDonald's and offers a more limited food menu, instead focusing on trendy, fun drinks.

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Despite only having been open in a single location for one month, CosMc's is already lapping typical McDonad's locations regarding traffic, according to a report released by analytics platform Placer.ai earlier this month.

Using location data from mobile devices, the company estimated that CosMc's doubled the number of total visits and tripled the number of visitors per square foot compared to an average McDonald's in its first month. Even so, Placer.ai estimated that the restaurant could see even more success with some tweaks to drive-thru capacity and overflow space.

"It's also worth noting that CosMc’s visitation numbers would likely have been much higher if the location had additional capacity to satisfy the overwhelming demand," the report said, reflecting reports that the four-bay drive-thru system still needs work, as the system lends itself to confusion and bottlenecks when there are delays with orders.

When the concept was announced, fans speculated the chain was hoping to compete with trendy locations offering snacks and unique drinks, such as Dutch Bro. or Starbucks. As far as demographics go, it appears CosMc's has, at least in early days, attracted the younger groups who frequent the targeted competitors, with the largest customer base thus far being 22 to 29 years old, according to Placer.ai.

USA TODAY has reached out to McDonald's for comment on the report.

McDonald's plans to open approximately 10 CosMc’s pilot locations by the end of 2024, the chain previously announced. While exact locations have not been given, customers in the Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio metro areas can expect to be the lucky ones to see more popping up soon.

CosMc's:McDonald's reveals locations for chain's new spinoff restaurant and menu

What's on the CosMc's menu

CosMc's is a new spinoff restaurant idea from McDonald's. McDonald's CEO and president Christopher Kempczinski  described it as "a small format concept with all the DNA of McDonald’s but its own unique personality."

The theme leans into the space-based, futurism-of-the-past aesthetic associated with a mascot named CosMc who appeared in ads in the late '80s and early '90s.

The menu features teas and lemonades, coffees, slushies, frappes and signature fruit energy-style drinks called "Galactic Boosts." Some highlights include a Turmeric Spiced Latte, S'mores Cold Brew, Churro Frappe and Sour Cherry Energy Burst.

With seven iced tea and lemonade flavors, four Galactic Boost energy drinks, 11 coffee and tea-based beverages and five frappe flavors, along with the traditional list of soft drinks and milkshakes, CosMc's has a lot to offer those looking for something new.

The food menu is a little more limited but equally unique, featuring a Spicy Queso Sandwich, a Creamy Avocado Tomatillo Sandwich, Pretzel Bites, Savory Hash Brown Bites, a snack box and stuffed pastry bites called McPops. There are also cookies, sundaes, McFlurries, ice cream and three traditional McMuffin options.