McDonald's Plans to Remove Self-Serve Soda Machines by 2032

Harger: McDonald's is killing the self-serve soda fountains. My coworkers are taking it personally. I have questions

McDonald’s is getting rid of the self-serve soda fountains. Customers will now get their drinks handed to them by an actual employee, like it’s 1987. The chain has been phasing them out since 2023 and plans to complete the transition by 2032, ending the free-refill era at every location in the country. I thought this was a minor fast-food story. A footnote. Then somebody brought it up at yesterday’s news meeting. There was a gasp. There was plen…

McDonald's Phase Out Self-Serve Soda Refills: What You Can Do to Get Free Beverage Top-Ups While You Still Can

McDonald's nationwide soda changes will mean that an era of unlimited soda refills at is quietly coming to an end, as the fast-food giant rolls out sweeping changes to how drinks are served in its restaurants across the United States. For decades, self-serve soda fountains have been a staple of the McDonald's dining experience, allowing customers to refill their cups freely. But that familiar perk is now being phased out—gradually, but decisivel…

McDonald's plans to remove self-serve soda machines by 2032

McDonald's planned to remove self-serve soda fountain machines as part of ongoing restaurant remodels in the United States.

This fast-food giant is quietly removing something millions of customers use every visit

The glory days of self-serve fountain drinks at McDonald’s are almost over, and people are not happy. Self-serve soda fountains have been a staple of fast-food restaurants like McDonald’s for decades, allowing visiting customers to self-pour, refill, and even customize their order by mixing all available soda options. But as fast-food chains look to optimize their operations, not all beloved features are making the cut, and the beverage stations…

Want a refill? McDonald's is changing how you get soda at restaurants

McDonald's said in 2023 it will slowly transition away from self-serve soda fountains in dining rooms across the country by 2032.

McDonald’s Is Quietly Ditching Its Self-Serve Soda Fountains

By 2032, McDonald's self-serve soda fountain machines are expected to be gone from all U.S. restaurants as the chain pivots to handmade drinks.