McDonald’s launched the McCafé coffeehouse brand in 1993.
The first McCafé opened in Melbourne, Australia, as a café-style extension of a McDonald’s restaurant. The concept added espresso-based drinks and a more café-oriented atmosphere to the company’s established fast-food format.
McCafé later expanded internationally and became a major part of McDonald’s beverage branding. Its growth reflected the increasing importance of specialty coffee and allowed the company to compete more directly in the café and premium-coffee market.
The name refers to a branded coffee concept, not to the original McDonald’s restaurant identity. It is also separate from “I’m Lovin’ It,” which is a corporate advertising slogan rather than a beverage sub-brand.