Michael. This is the Cosi located at 233 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601. It is part of the Illinois Center Illinois Center - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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The location is kind of a small format/kiosk type location. Itwas relatively clean, minus the visible garbage bag (captured in one of the pictures attached). I went during off-peak hours (3pm) but there were still about 7 customers seated. I ordered one of the bowls to see how the preparation here compared to my experience at Clark and Lake. It was much more efficient (total serve time <3m). Also, the portion was significantly larger, I actually couldn't eat it all. The cashier wasn't the friendliest, and the positioning of the drinks bin (right in front of the register) was a bit akward as it forced you back about a foot and a half when you were paying. Had to kind of akwardly reach over it to hand the staff your payment card/cash.

 

Now to the biggest problem. The brand imaging/signage was basically non-existent on the exterior. Small white letters with the word COSI was the only signage. No sun/moon symbol, or other Cosi branding. This, IMO, is Cosi's biggest problem. Inconsistency. Everyone recognizes the McDonald's arches, everyone knows the Starbucks Siren. Everyone also knows what to expect and what they will be delivered when they enter a McDonald's or Starbucks. The Cosi team should maybe read the story of the Starbucks Siren so they understand the thought and development process of a strong brand logo and the story it tells (below). Cosi branding and signage is all over the place. So is the service, the food quality, the portions, etc. Overall, I'd give the location a B (a B- if that was an option).