McDonald’s Refreshes Menu, Testing a New Line of Cold Beverages

McDonald’s USA’s chief customer experience and marketing officer, Alyssa Buetikofer, said the chain is “seeing real momentum in beverages.” (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Move aside, burgers and fries. McDonald’s is looking for new ways to bring customers through the door and jolt its share price.

The fast-food chain will begin testing a new lineup of cold beverages at 500 U.S. restaurants later this summer in an attempt to quench American consumers’ thirst for refreshments, the company said Thursday.

The new drinks, five of which McDonad’s unveiled in its announcement, include cold coffees, specialty sodas, and fruity “refreshers.” Restaurants in Wisconsin, Colorado, and surrounding areas will test the beverages.

“We’re seeing real momentum in beverages, with more people—especially our Gen Z fans—turning to cold, flavorful drinks as a go-to treat,” said McDonald’s USA’s chief customer experience and marketing officer Alyssa Buetikofer.

McDonald’s shares were down 0.4% on Thursday.

The company has introduced various items this year, including chicken strips that received tepid reviews and a revamped Snack Wrap, as it attempts to arrest a decline in U.S. customer traffic. McDonald’s stock was up 2.8% so far this year as of Wednesday’s close, while the S&P 500 had risen 8.1%.

Write to Nate Wolf at nate.wolf@barrons.com