Cleveland McDonald’s regulars might want to savor those self-serve soda runs while they last. The chain is quietly shifting away from the DIY drink fountains that have anchored dining rooms for years, with changes already starting to pop up in Northeast Ohio.
What McDonald’s is changing
McDonald’s confirmed in an email to AP News that it will phase out self-serve beverage stations at U.S. restaurants by 2032. The company says the goal is "to create a consistent experience" across app, kiosk, drive-thru and in-restaurant ordering. The long runway is meant to give franchisees time to remodel their stores and test behind-the-counter drink setups instead of public soda fountains.
How restaurants are handling the switch
Some operators have already pulled the plug on customer-facing drink stations and moved to crew-poured or automated pour systems behind the counter, according to reporting by Restaurant Dive. Industry coverage and local owner comments cited by Fox Business say operators see the change as a way to cut down on theft, simplify dining-room layouts and keep drink prep more consistent between delivery and dine-in orders.
What it could mean for refills and dine-in
McDonald’s has not laid out a single refill policy that would apply to every restaurant. Franchise locations have traditionally set their own rules on refills, CBS News reported. The shift away from public fountains also tracks with broader changes in how customers order. Digital channels like apps, kiosks and delivery have made up a large share of McDonald’s systemwide sales in recent quarters, a factor the company cited in its decision, per AP News.
Local takeaways for Cleveland diners
For now, Cleveland customers should expect a slow drip of changes rather than an overnight overhaul. Many area restaurants still have self-serve soda fountains, while recently remodeled locations may already have switched to crew-poured drinks. Cleveland.com noted this week that some local stores have already removed their stations, so it may be worth checking with your neighborhood McDonald’s if refills or custom fountain mixes are part of your usual order.
