McCafé began in Australia in 1993 as a coffee-focused McDonald’s sub-brand.
The first McCafé opened in Melbourne, Australia, creating a café-style area within or beside a McDonald’s restaurant. The concept responded to demand for espresso-based drinks and a more café-oriented environment while using McDonald’s existing restaurant network.
McCafé later expanded internationally and developed its own visual identity, menu boards, cups, and store formats. Depending on the country, offerings have included espresso, cappuccino, latte, pastries, and other café products.
McCafé is sometimes treated as though it began as a worldwide launch. Its history was more gradual: Australia provided the original concept in 1993, and McDonald’s then adapted and expanded it across many markets.