With social media buzzing and speculation spreading quickly, many are wondering about the truth behind these claims. The reality, however, is far from a shutdown. McDonald’s is not only staying open but actively expanding its global presence.
In this article, we’ll uncover what’s actually happening, including the closure of CosMc’s and the brand’s ambitious growth plans.
Is McDonald’s Actually Shutting Down in 2025?
Rumours have been circulating across social media platforms and news outlets suggesting that McDonald’s is closing its doors in 2025.
This claim, however, is completely false. McDonald’s is not shutting down. In fact, the fast-food giant is expanding aggressively, with plans to increase its global footprint from 40,000 to 50,000 restaurants by 2027, marking the fastest growth in the company’s history.
So where did the confusion start? It all stems from the closure of a McDonald’s-owned spinoff brand called CosMc’s, which has led to widespread misunderstanding about the company’s overall operations.
What Happened to McDonald’s CosMc’s Spinoff Brand?
CosMc’s was a niche beverage-focused brand launched in 2023 by McDonald’s, named after a lesser-known alien mascot from its past marketing campaigns.
It operated only five locations, four in Texas and one in Illinois, and was created to compete with trendy beverage brands like Dutch Bros., Swig, and Scooter’s Coffee.
The concept aimed to serve customisable drinks and light snacks for afternoon pick-me-ups, especially catering to Gen Z consumers looking for sugary beverages and unique flavour profiles.
While the idea was innovative, CosMc’s didn’t perform as expected, and the pilot programme was officially discontinued in June 2025.
Why Did McDonald’s Decide to Close All CosMc’s Locations?
The decision to close CosMc’s wasn’t made lightly. Initially, McDonald’s believed the spinoff could capitalise on the rapidly growing specialty drinks market. However, the reality turned out differently:
- Low customisation: Despite being designed for highly customisable drinks, most customers ordered standard beverages.
- Labour strain concerns: Executives were initially cautious about overloading staff with complex drink orders, the main reason for launching a separate brand.
- Economic shift: With inflation and economic uncertainties affecting consumer spending, McDonald’s faced two consecutive quarters of declining sales, making leadership rethink its focus.
Instead of continuing the test, McDonald’s decided to streamline operations and redirect innovation efforts to its main restaurants.
Is McDonald’s Still Opening New Restaurants in 2025?
Absolutely. Contrary to the closure of CosMc’s, McDonald’s has no intention of slowing down. The brand currently operates over 40,000 restaurants globally, with a bold goal to reach 50,000 by 2027. This includes:
- Expansion in emerging markets like Southeast Asia and Africa
- Continued growth across Europe and the UK
- Revamping existing locations with modernised equipment and AI-powered drive-thrus
The 2025 expansion is considered a strategic growth phase, not a sign of decline.
What Drinks from CosMc’s Will McDonald’s Keep?
Although CosMc’s locations are closing, not all of its innovations are gone. Some of the most popular drinks from the spinoff are being introduced into mainstream McDonald’s restaurants, especially in the United States, and potentially the UK.
CEO Chris Kempczinski confirmed that CosMc’s-inspired beverages would be tested across hundreds of locations. These new options are expected to include:
- Fruity slushes
- Cold foam drinks
- Customisable iced coffee flavours
This move allows McDonald’s to retain the best parts of CosMc’s without the burden of a separate operational model.
Is McDonald’s Facing Financial Trouble or Decline?
While McDonald’s has reported a slight dip in sales due to global economic uncertainty, there’s no sign of financial collapse. The brand remains one of the most profitable fast-food chains globally, supported by:
- Strong international markets
- Innovations in delivery and mobile ordering
- Loyal customer base across all demographics
Temporary challenges have simply encouraged McDonald’s to refocus on its core menu and value offerings, rather than overextending through spinoffs like CosMc’s.
How Is McDonald’s Adapting Its Business Strategy in 2025?
McDonald’s is leaning into technology and customer insights to future-proof its business:
- AI-driven ordering systems: Helping reduce wait times and personalise orders
- Digital menus and loyalty apps: Increasing engagement and customer retention
- Sustainability initiatives: Moving toward eco-friendly packaging and energy-efficient stores
The CosMc’s experiment is being seen internally as a valuable learning opportunity, helping McDonald’s fine-tune its approach to innovation without affecting the customer experience in its main outlets.
McDonald’s 2025 Summary – Closures vs Expansion
| Aspect | Details |
| McDonald’s Overall Status | Operational and expanding globally |
| Restaurants Worldwide | 40,000+ (targeting 50,000 by 2027) |
| CosMc’s Status | All 5 locations closed by June 2025 |
| CosMc’s Location Details | 4 in Texas, 1 in Illinois (USA only) |
| CosMc’s Menu Items | Some drinks to be tested in main McDonald’s restaurants |
| Business Strategy | Refocus on core menu and operational efficiency |
| Financial Condition | Slight sales decline but stable and profitable overall |
Conclusion
To put it simply: No, McDonald’s is not closing down in 2025. The confusion comes from the closure of its experimental CosMc’s brand, which was never a full replacement for traditional McDonald’s outlets.
In fact, the company is more focused than ever on expansion, customer satisfaction, and modernisation.
If anything, McDonald’s is changing direction strategically, using data and experimentation to fine-tune its offerings while staying true to what customers love. So next time you hear someone say McDonald’s is shutting down, you’ll know the truth.
FAQs about McDonald’s Closures and Future Plans
Is McDonald’s closing in the UK too?
No, there are no plans to close McDonald’s locations in the UK. The brand continues to open new branches across the country.
What is CosMc’s and why was it shut down?
CosMc’s was a beverage-focused spinoff launched in 2023. It was closed in 2025 due to underperformance and strategic re-evaluation.
How many McDonald’s restaurants are there in the UK?
As of 2025, there are over 1,400 McDonald’s restaurants in the UK.
Will CosMc’s drinks be available in UK branches?
Some CosMc’s-inspired drinks are being tested in the US, and may expand to other markets, including the UK, if successful.
Why are people saying McDonald’s is closing?
Misleading headlines about CosMc’s closure led to rumours that McDonald’s itself was shutting down.
Is McDonald’s losing popularity in 2025?
No, despite slight economic slowdowns, McDonald’s remains one of the most popular and profitable fast-food brands globally.
What does McDonald’s plan for the next few years?
McDonald’s aims to reach 50,000 global locations by 2027, roll out AI ordering, and expand menu innovation.
