McDonald's $MCD plans to remove self-serve drink stations from its U.S. dining rooms by 2032. This change marks the end of a long-standing feature as the company shifts its focus to takeout, delivery, and drive-thru customers instead of those dining in.

According to Fox Business, the changes will happen incrementally, tied to restaurant remodels and updates rather than a single cutover date. A number of restaurants have already moved preparation to crew members, with customers no longer pouring their own drinks.

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Moving drink service behind the counter helps McDonald's $MCD keep pour sizes consistent, maintain cleanliness, and lower the costs of maintaining the machines. Inc. reports that about 40% of McDonald's U.S. revenue now comes from digital orders, so fewer customers use the in-restaurant soda fountains, even though they still require regular cleaning and repairs. This change also means free refills for dine-in customers will end.

The phase-out coincides with a push into new beverages. McDonald's $MCD launched six specialty drinks at restaurants nationwide beginning May 6, adding three refreshers and three crafted sodas to its permanent menu. The refreshers — Strawberry Watermelon, Mango Pineapple, and Blackberry Passion Fruit — each use a lemonade base and contain caffeine. The crafted sodas include Sprite Berry Blast, Orange Dream, and Dirty Dr Pepper $DPS, each finished with cold foam.

"Our fans have an obsession with beverages — to them, drinks are more than just drinks," Alyssa Buetikofer, McDonald's USA chief marketing and customer experience officer, said in a statement.

The new drinks grew out of McDonald's now-closed CosMc's experimental locations, five beverage-focused restaurants that shut last year after the company used them to test the specialty drinks market. McDonald's had promised in May 2024 to bring select CosMc's menu items into the main chain.

The beverage expansion follows a broader value-focused push. McDonald's has introduced a $4 breakfast meal deal and a lineup capped at $3, extending nearly two years of discount-oriented moves that include $5 meal deals in 2024 and $1 options added in January 2025.

McDonald's operates about 14,000 U.S. restaurants, roughly 95% of which are owned and operated by independent franchisees, the company said.

McDonald's is phasing out self-serve soda fountains across America

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