Speaking at the McDonald’s Impact Conference, President Donald Trump urged the company to put more tartar sauce on the Filet-O-Fish.
McDonald’s is quietly ending the era of self-service soda fountains across the country.
The change, which has been in the works for years, is part of a broader effort by McDonald’s to modernize its restaurants, reduce labor and maintenance demands, and adapt to changing consumer habits that increasingly favor takeout, delivery and drive-thru service instead of dining in.
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A self-serve soda fountain in a McDonald’s restaurant, a feature the company is rolling out nationwide. (Photos by Mario Tama/Getty/Getty Images)
The company plans to complete the transition away from self-serve stations in US dining rooms by 2032, a transition that is expected to begin gradually over the next few years as restaurants are remodeled or renovated.
In many places, drinks are already prepared behind the counter rather than poured by customers, marking a departure from the long-standing self-service model that has been a staple of fast-food restaurants for decades.
For customers, the change marks the end of conventional convenience, as self-serve stations have traditionally allowed for easy refilling and customization of drinks.
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Exterior view of McDonald’s fast food restaurant on May 24, 2024. (Photos by Paul Weaver/SOPA/LightRocket/Getty Images)
The move also gives McDonald’s greater control over beverage components, cleanliness and inventory, while reducing maintenance costs for self-serve machines.
The change reflects a broader trend across the fast-food industry, where companies are prioritizing speed, efficiency and digital ordering over the traditional dine-in experience.
At the same time, McDonald’s has rolled out an expanded menu featuring new and refreshing “dirty sodas” as consumer demand shifts beyond traditional soft drinks and coffee.
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McDonald’s is currently rolling out new drink options, including ‘dirty sodas.’ (Collection of Smith/Gado/Getty Images / Getty Images)
In a statement sent to FOX Business, McDonald’s signed off on the change, saying: “Our fans’ love for McDonald’s drinks runs deep… Next month, we’re building on that love with a new season of drinks, featuring a variety of Refreshments and craft sodas rolling out nationwide.”
The company added that it will share more details soon.
McDonald’s did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment about the removal of the fountain equipment.
