McDonald’s called its coffeehouse-style outlet concept McCafé, first launched in Australia in 1993.
The concept began in Melbourne as a way for McDonald’s to compete more directly in the growing café and specialty-coffee market. McCafé outlets used a more café-like presentation and menu emphasis while remaining connected to McDonald’s restaurants and operations.
The brand expanded internationally and became an important part of McDonald’s beverage identity. Its name combines “Mc,” the company’s established naming prefix, with “café,” immediately signaling a coffeehouse format to customers in many countries.
McCafé is distinct from McDonald’s ordinary coffee menu. It was developed as a branded café concept, although the exact products, store layouts and rollout dates have varied by market.