McDonald’s announced on Tuesday that it will be phasing out self-service soda fountain drink stations in its dining rooms across the United States by the year 2032. The company said the move is intended to create a more consistent experience for customers and crew members and to improve food safety.
Under the new system, customers will order their drinks from a cashier or kiosk, and then a crew member will fill their cups. This will eliminate the need for customers to touch the soda fountain machines, which can be a source of germs.
McDonald’s said the change will also help to improve efficiency in the dining room. Customers can take a long time to fill their own drinks, which can slow down the ordering process. By having crew members fill the drinks, McDonald’s hopes to reduce wait times and improve customer satisfaction.
The company said it will begin phasing out self-service soda fountain drink stations in 2024, and the process will be completed by 2032.
The move by McDonald’s is the latest in a trend of fast food restaurants reducing or eliminating self-service options. In recent years, other chains such as Burger King and Wendy’s have also removed self-service soda fountains from some of their restaurants.
The decision by McDonald’s is likely to be met with some resistance from customers who enjoy the convenience of self-service. However, the company believes that the benefits of the new system outweigh the inconvenience.
Here are some of the reasons why McDonald’s is ending self-service soda fountain drink stations:
To improve food safety. Self-service soda fountain machines can be a source of germs, especially when they are not properly cleaned and maintained. By having crew members fill the drinks, McDonald’s can help to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
To improve efficiency.
Currently, customers can take a long time to fill their drinks, which can slow down the ordering process. By having crew members fill the drinks, McDonald’s hopes to reduce wait times and improve customer satisfaction.
To create a more consistent experience. Currently, the experience of getting a drink at McDonald’s can vary depending on whether the customer orders at the counter, uses a kiosk, or goes through the drive-thru. By having crew members fill all drinks, McDonald’s can create a more consistent experience for customers.
It remains to be seen how customers will react to the change. Some may be inconvenienced by having to wait for a crew member to fill their drinks, while others may appreciate the improved food safety and efficiency. Only time will tell whether McDonald’s decision to end self-service soda fountain drink stations is a success.
