McDonald’s Is Getting Rid Of Self-Serve Soda Stations

A signature part of dining at McDonald’s will soon be a thing of the past. The chain has begun quietly removing self-serve soda fountains from locations nationwide, with a goal of gutting them completely by 2032. 

Yup, next time you walk into a McDonald’s, you might have to ask an employee for your free refill. According to TODAY,  the company hopes the removal of self-serve fountains will provide a more consistent experience for workers and customers. The move also aligns with its push into dirty sodas and refreshers.

In place of self-serve fountains, McDonald’s will be using the “Crew Pour System”—an automated beverage system that fills drink orders with minimal human contact, per the State Journal-Register. Along with ensuring a consistent customer experience, the new system will help prevent people from taking advantage of free refills.