McCafé was the McDonald’s restaurant concept that first opened in Melbourne, Australia, in 1993.
The concept was created to add an espresso-focused coffeehouse offer to a McDonald’s restaurant. Its first location was opened by Australian franchisee Ann Brown and her husband, Peter, in Melbourne. The design and menu were intended to appeal to customers seeking café-style coffee in addition to McDonald’s standard food.
McCafé later expanded beyond Australia and became a major international sub-brand. Depending on the market, McCafé locations have offered espresso drinks, brewed coffee, pastries, and other café products, sometimes from a dedicated counter within a regular McDonald’s restaurant.
McCafé is often confused with a separate restaurant chain because of its café-style branding. It is a McDonald’s concept and sub-brand, not an unrelated coffee company. Its development also reflects McDonald’s broader effort to compete in the growing specialty-coffee market.