"I was actually pleasantly surprised," said an invitee. "I didn't quite know what to expect. The decor is just like the look and feel of a coffee house in the McCafe section, and I think they've done a very nice job of coordinating it and carrying it through with the restaurant, as well."
The McCafe concept has proven successful in overseas markets, like New Zealand and Australia.
The Golden Arches -- home to the Big Mac -- is now serving up lattes, cheesecake and deli sandwiches and an atmosphere to match. Some said it was just a matter of time before coffee-crazed Americans would see the concept happen here.
"This is a high-tech area. We've got folks that are just coffee drinkers that really appreciate good coffee," said Carol Martin, restaurant owner/operator.
McDonald's said Raleigh was the perfect place to start.
"It's just an outstanding region. It's actually the leading region in the country. They run great restaurants, they have phenomenal owner/operators -- they are on it, with it and have an attitude that is inspiring," said Mat Lederhausen, McDonald's president of business development.
The McCafe is located at the intersection of Falls of Neuse and Spring Forest roads.Other locations are planned across the state.
In July, seven McDonald's locations in the Triangle became test sites for self-serve kiosks that allow customers to place and pay for their orders in English and Spanish.
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