McDonald's is getting rid of self-serve soda machines at its U.S. restaurants by 2032.
The company says the change is being made to create consistency for customers and crew members across all of its ordering channels, from in-person dining to online delivery and drive-thru.
McDonald's did not specify if any additional factors, such as finances or sanitation, impacted the decision to part ways with its self-serve machines.
However, the move is in line with a larger trend among fast food chains to move away from self-service options in favour of more contactless ordering methods.
For years, its customers have been able to fill and refill their own beverages at the self-serve machines.
However, behind-the-counter soda machines already exist at some other fast food chains, and a handful of McDonald's locations across the country have also begun the transition.
The decision to eliminate self-serve soda machines comes as the fast food chain is facing increasing competition from other fast food chains, as well as from restaurants that offer delivery and pickup services.
In order to stay ahead of the competition, McDonald's is focusing on making its ordering process more convenient and efficient for customers.
The elimination of self-serve soda machines is just one of the ways that the fast food chain is trying to improve its customer experience.
The company is also testing new technologies, such as self-ordering kiosks and mobile ordering, in order to make it easier for customers to get their food quickly and easily.
It remains to be seen how customers will react to the elimination of self-serve soda machines. However, McDonald's believes that the change is necessary in order to provide a more consistent and efficient experience for its customers.
