New McD's Menu Muscles In on Starbucks

Tea-drinkers will get strongest Starbucks drinks in the world

(NEWSER) - Get ready to get your buzz on, Britain. Starbucks is planning to double espresso shots in all its lattes and cappuccinos served in the UK. The move has been brewing since customer requests for extra shots started skyrocketing two years ago, say company officials. The new shots boosting caffeine and flavor in the Starbucks drinks will be free of charge, and the deal won't be offered anywhere else in the world. More»

Fast-food places have plenty of little-known options

(NEWSER) - In-N-Out Burger’s “secret menu” (veggie burgers, etc.) has gotten way too famous to really be considered a secret anymore—but Coupon Sherpa rounds up little-known items at other fast-food joints:

• Chili’s: Though it’s not on the menu anymore, you can in fact still order the restaurant’s namesake dish.
• Long John Silvers: Ask for a side of crumbs and you’ll get—for free—a box of fried batter parts that fell off the fish or chicken.

This sure ain't Starbucks, so don't go in blind

(NEWSER) - Americans love their coffee, and if you’re among those who are way beyond Folgers and are starting to tire of chains like Starbucks and Peet’s, perhaps you’re ready for the so-called “third wave.” Cafés of this genre offer high-quality coffees—drip and espresso—often roasted on the premises, and can tell you pretty specifically about each kind of bean they’ve ground—just then, and for just one cup—to make it. More»

(NEWSER) - Just as Starbucks is scaling back its European expansion, McDonald's plans to open hundreds of new outlets offering high-end coffees and pastries on the continent, reports the Financial Times. “We can become the biggest seller of coffee in Europe,” boasted McDonald's chief financial officer. The company plans to launch 1200 new McCafés by the end of the year. The coffee shops operate inside or next to conventional McDonald's restaurants. More»

Struggling coffee icon adds $3.95 breakfast deals to jolt sales

(NEWSER) - Starbucks is taking a page from McDonald’s book by offering $3.95 drink and breakfast deals it hopes will help reprogram consumers' perceptions of the chain as home of the $4 coffee, reports the Wall Street Journal. "It is a reset of both economic and social behavior,” said CEO Howard Schultz of the deals: a 12 oz. latte with oatmeal or coffee cake or a 12 oz. coffee with breakfast sandwich or roll. More»