OAK BROOK Ill. McDonald’s Corp. plans to boost sales by more than $1 billion annually by rolling out espresso-based beverages to all the chain’s nearly 14,000 U.S. outlets next year, according to an internal document quoted by the Crain’s media organization that said the launch will entail the most extensive remodeling of restaurants in a decade.
It also said that retrofitting costs will vary by size and layout of each restaurant, but they could average $100,000 per location for automatic brewing equipment and drive-thru modifications. Eventually, franchisees also would have to install smoothie makers and wall-mounted refrigerators for bottled sodas and energy drinks.
Some 1,500 McDonald's would be equipped for lattes and cappuccinos by year-end, with the rest of the chain following suit by late 2008.