Think of McDonald’s and the first thing that pops to mind is a burger — and fries.
Think again. The nation’s largest fast-food chain is on a multibillion-dollar mission to become a serious beverage juggernaut, too.
In the process, it’s turning the fast-food world upside down. It’s trying to redefine consumer habits for the simple act of stopping for a drink. And that’s pitting it against convenience stores, supermarkets and specialty coffee chains such as Starbucks.
The chain has slowly been rolling out iced frappés only since March, but CEO Jim Skinner already credits April’s impressive 3.8% same-store sales boost, in part, to frappés.
Now, smoothies are on tap.
Photo: Rebecca Cook / USA TODAY.