A customer perk often overlooked at one of America’s biggest chain restaurants is quietly being phased out.
The changes have been happening slowly at McDonald’s restaurants across the nation — including Texas — as the fast-food giant’s modernization plan introduces computerized kiosks where customers can order.
Customers are not happy with the move, as many took to a Reddit post starting on April 27 to show their displeasure and share locations where the machines have already disappeared.
“I was in one of these on a road trip,” one commenter wrote. “I’ve stopped at this McDonald’s many times before, so I was shocked at how very stark and empty it was, with kiosks to order from and employees just popping out from the back to drop orders and leave customers to grab their own stuff. Weird vibe.”
Why McDonald’s Is Removing Self-Serve Soda Fountains
The shift has been years in the making. McDonald’s announced the move in 2023, and the Chicago-based company plans to remove all self-serve fountains by 2032, The Associated Press reported.
Consumer Affairs reports that several factors are driving the shift, with operational efficiency the main one — better controlling inventory, reducing waste, and streamlining cleanup.
Other factors include hygiene concerns that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with efforts to reduce the restaurant’s storefront footprint and implement new technologies.
Are Free Refills Still Available at McDonald’s?
Yes. Customers will still be able to get free refills — they’ll just need to ask a crew member rather than serve themselves.
How Many McDonald’s Are in Texas?
Texas leads the nation in McDonald’s locations, with 1,261 restaurants in the state, according to ScrapeHero. Nationwide, there are 13,827 locations.
Reporting by Mateo Rosiles, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
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