McDonald’s launching mystery spinoff restaurant CosMc’s

McDonald's has launched a brand new spin-off restaurant, and people are just raising where the name comes from.

The new concept is called CosMc's, and is based on a little-known mascot associated with McDonald's who is from outer space.

So far the fast-food giant is testing the new concept in Bollingbrook Illinois.

While the precise nature of the new chain has not yet been confirmed, glimpses of the menu show a far greater range of drink options.

These include things like iced teas and lemonades, as well as coffees and frappes.

The drinks have names like 'Signature Galactic Boosts' such as the 'Blueberry Ginger Boost', as well as options like the 'Churro Frappe' and 'Berry Hibiscus Sour-Ade'.

There is also an all-day breakfast menu, which includes new menu items as well as McDonald's staples.

Otherwise, the menu is more focussed on snacks.

As the name suggests, a lot of the menu is space-themed, with some sections of the menu listed as coming 'from the universe'.

Iman Jalali / LIFESTYLOGY /TMX

So far the new branch has been compared to other chains such as Starbucks and Dunkin' in terms of the sort of menu items it offers.

This could also be an expansion on the McCafe menu.

The drive-thru location also has some four drive-thru lanes for customers.

In a recent earnings call, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski called the new brand 'a small format concept with all the DNA of McDonald’s but its own unique personality'.

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The theme is around the mascot CosMc, an alien from outer space who visits McDonaldland to slake his craving for McDonald's.

CosMc appeared in some adverts for the company back in the 80s and 90s, before being quietly withdrawn.

But someone at McDonald's must have liked the alien, as he is now back with his very own brand.

Iman Jalali / LIFESTYLOGY /TMX

Who would have thunk it.

Photos of the new location indicate that it has a distinct flavour all of its own, but with the McDonald's branding very clearly present.

As for the plans for the new brand, a spokesperson for McDonald's told FOX Business that the company will be debuting the new concept at a 'small handful of sites in a limited geography beginning early next year'.

The news comes as Kempczinski continues with his 'Accelerating the Arches' strategy in an effort to further grow the business.

While shares in McDonald's are up by nine percent, this is still less than competitor Burger King's parent company Restaurant Brands, which rose by 13 percent.