McDonald’s franchises across the US will slowly get rid of self-service drink stations. Here’s everything you need to know about the change.
If you’ve been to a McDonald’s recently and noticed the self-service drink station at that specific location was gone, I regret to inform you that it’s not coming back.
The company previously announced in 2023 that it would slowly start to phase out this feature across the US until all of the stations were completely removed by 2032. Apparently, according to Reddit, this is happening more frequently as of late. Yes, this means no more endless free refills. Cue the very specific thirst that can truly only ever be satisfied by a Coca-Cola so crispy, the carbonation burns your throat with every sip. (In a good way, obviously).
McDonald’s said in its original statement that the decision came about because the company wanted to create an experience for customers and workers alike that was more consistent. Or, as an operator for a McDonald’s in Illinois, Mikel Petro, put it, “It’s an evolution towards convenience and (the result of) the growth of digital service.”
Owners of different franchise locations stated that theft protection, food safety, and a decrease in dine-in orders also contributed to the decision.
Moving forward, you’ll have to ask an employee for a drink refill if you’re eating inside a McDonald’s. It’s unclear as to whether refills will be free or if there will be a charge for them, either now or in the future.
McDonald’s is offering new beverage options amid the widespread change
As McDonald’s phases out its self-serve drink machines and transitions its staff into managing every customer’s beverage and refill needs, it’s also introducing some new specialty items. Six new beverages will be offered at franchises across Texas and throughout the United States starting today, including three crafted sodas and three Refreshers.
The new drinks are as follows:
- Blackberry Passion Fruit Refresher – Passion fruit and blackberry flavors with freeze-dried pieces of dragon fruit and lemonade
- Mango Pineapple Refresher – Pineapple and tropical mango flavors with strawberry popping boba and a lemonade base
- Strawberry Watermelon Refresher – Watermelon and strawberry flavors with freeze-dried strawberries and a lemonade base
- Dirty Dr. Pepper – Dr. Pepper with cold foam and vanilla flavoring
- Orange Dream – Orange soda with cold foam and vanilla flavoring
- Sprite Berry Blast – Sprite with cold foam and blue raspberry syrup
The Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer for McDonald’s, Alyssa Buetikofer, said, “Our fans have an obsession with beverages – to them, drinks are more than just drinks. We’ve taken the time to get this right.”
While the new drinks do sound appealing, it’ll definitely take some time getting used to the lack of immediate access to refills.
