McDonald's owners brewing coffee war

The next phase of growth brewing for McDonald's Corp is in the hands of franchisees like Ernie Sandoval, who is introducing McCafe espressos and cappuccinos to the restaurants he owns.

Sandoval is among the first in San Diego County to renovate his store and make room for the machine that, with a press of a button, turns out espresso-based drinks.

Many of them can be served hot or cold and spiked with flavored syrups. He owns 15 McDonald's restaurants in the area and plans to install the coffee stations at nine of them, in what will be the newest front in a growing battle between the hamburger chain and Starbucks Corp.