McDonald’s (MCD) is phasing out its self-serve soda fountains that allow customers to fill their own cups. By 2032, the iconic machines that dispense a selection of Hi-C, Fanta, Diet Coke and Dr Pepper (or a mix of any of them) will be behind the counter instead of in front.
Still worried about getting a free refill? According to a McDonald’s executive, you should still be able to come back for more.
“Free refills always depend on the type of franchisee, but I’m counting on the fact that most of them will probably continue to do it,” McDonald’s CFO Ian Borden told Yahoo Finance.
McDonald’s announced the phasing out of soda machines in 2023 as the chain intended to create a more consistent experience for customers and staff members across delivery, app ordering, kiosks, drive-thrus and restaurants. But talk about the change resurfaced this week as consumers began to take notice.
“One of the things we’ve seen in recent years is the growth of digital, the growth of delivery,” CEO Chris Kempczinski said on a call with investors. “That means the type of customer flow or customer journey and our restaurant looks a little different… We’re certainly working with franchisees to think about what the restaurant of the future should look like.”
Reassuring customers who have been vocal about the change, Borden said, “All of our consumers can rest assured that when they walk into McDonald’s they will get what they are looking for.”
Meanwhile, other fast food giants have weighed in more forcefully on the matter. Restaurant Brands’ (QSR) Burger King said it plans to keep its self-serve soda machines.
“Whenever they want a refill, they can ask for it; that’s our view on that,” Burger King U.S. and Canada president Tom Curtis told Yahoo Finance. “Our consumers tell us they want to come to a restaurant and if they don’t have a freestyle machine they want to mix their own, we’ll let them do that with the beverage dispensers we have.”
McDonald’s phase-out is part of a new beverage strategy the company launched in late April with the debut of six specialty drinks, including sodas and “dirty sodas,” or customizable sodas mixed with flavored cream and syrups.
“The three sodas and the three craft sodas are kind of a first step in that direction,” Borden said.
Brooke DiPalma is a Yahoo Finance reporter. Follow her on X at @Brooke DiPalma or email him at bdipalma@yahoofinance.com.
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