They're best known for Happy Meals and Big Macs. But now, McDonald's hopes to entice customers to come to the golden arches for something other than fast-food. The company has decided to add coffee bars into their almost 14,000 U.S. locations starting this year. The specialty coffee selections will include cappuccinos, lattes, mochas and the Frappe, similar to the ice-blended Frappuccino from Starbucks. According to internal documents from McDonald's, the program will add $1 billion to the company's $21.6 billion in annual sales. The coffee beverages will range in price from $1.99 to $3.29, and McDonald's is telling customers the drinks are between 60 and 80 cents cheaper than their competitors. The beverage expansion will also include smoothies and bottled beverages, in addition to a soda fountain with flavor shots.

According to WSJ.com, McDonald's latest move is an example of the growing overlap between the fast-food chain and Starbucks. While McDonald's has upgraded its drip coffee and the interiors of its locations, Starbucks has added drive-thru windows and hot breakfast sandwiches. As the article points out, this confrontation between the two demonstrates just how vital a component convenience has become in the fast-food industry.

Just as news rolled out about McDonald's latest venture, Starbucks Corp. announced that it's returning its chairman, Howard Schultz, to the CEO position in order to lead a major restructuring initiative. Over the past year, Starbucks has seen its stock drop 50 percent.