The coffeehouse concept first opened in Melbourne in 1993 was McCafé.
McCafé began as a way for McDonald’s to compete more directly in the growing café and specialty-coffee market. The first location was attached to a McDonald’s restaurant in Melbourne, Australia, and the concept later expanded internationally.
Its branding gave coffee a more prominent identity within the restaurant, often using a café-style presentation and dedicated menu language. This helped McDonald’s broaden its image beyond burgers, fries, and soft drinks.
McCafé is sometimes described as though it began in the United States because of its later visibility there. The first McCafé, however, opened in Australia. Its international growth made coffee an increasingly important part of McDonald’s brand portfolio.