McDonald's Quietly Removing Drink Stations at All Locations

For decades, the self-serve beverage fountain has been a staple at McDonald's restaurants across the country, allowing guests to fill their own drinks and have unlimited free refills. However, it sounds like things will be changing in the near future.

Over the next several years, McDonald's will be quietly removing these self-service drink stations at all restaurants across the country.

McDonald's Eliminating Drink Stations

Over the past several years, McDonald’s has made moves to modernize its restaurants while adapting to a new era of fast food where consumers are increasingly favoring takeout, delivery, and drive-thru service over dining in.

As a result, Fox News Business reports that McDonald's plans to eliminate self-serve beverage stations in dining rooms throughout the country by 2032, with the changes expected to roll out gradually over the next several years as restaurants are remodeled or updated.

Fox News Business reports that the move gives McDonald's "greater control over beverage portions, cleanliness and inventory, while cutting maintenance costs for the self-serve machines."

The State Journal-Register of Illinois previously reported that the move was due to concerns about hygiene and theft.

Free Refills Here to Stay

While the self-service drink stations may be phasing out, customers can rest easy knowing that free refills will not be a thing of the past.

“Free refills are a big draw for people,” Kim Derringer, who operates three McDonald’s franchises in Springfield, Ill., told The State-Journal Register. “I don’t see anything taking that away.”

Customers should expect to continue receiving free refills; they will just have to bring their cup to the counter instead of filling it up themselves.

Dirty Sodas

This move comes as McDonald's adds "Dirty Sodas" to the menu, allowing expanded beverage offerings that are created behind the counter rather than at the self-serve beverage station.

"Our fans’ love for McDonald’s beverages runs deep," McDonald's said in a statement last month. "Next month, we’re building on that passion with a new era of beverages, featuring a variety of Refreshers and crafted sodas rolling out nationwide."

Needless to say, it's clear where McDonald's is heading.