Special focus on beverages:

McDonalds sales rose 4.5% in August, a press release offered the following:

McDonald's Chief Executive Officer Jim Skinner said, "We're connecting with customers worldwide by providing a convenient, affordable and relevant restaurant experience. This ongoing commitment to customers continues to drive our momentum in every area of the world."

U.S. comparable sales rose 4.5% in August driven by McDonald's popular breakfast menu, the Olympic-themed Southern Style Chicken Sandwich and Biscuit promotion and everyday affordability with a special focus on beverages.

Earlier this year I was skeptical about the plan to integrate upscale coffee into the McDonalds business model. Clearly the marketplace had different ideas.