McDonald's customers aren't lovin’ the fast-food chain’s latest decision to remove all self-serve soda stations from franchise locations by 2032. For thirsty customers, that likely means free refills could soon be a thing of the past. The decision comes after customers began abusing the free refill policy, as well as declining in-store traffic and safety concerns relating to reusing cups. The move aims to align with a rise in mobile ordering and drive-thru traffic, reducing the need for customer-facing drink stations. Crew members will fill all beverage orders, including for dine-in customers, to ensure a uniform experience across all ordering methods. While some customers may miss the convenience of free-standing refills, McDonald’s is focused on remaining profitable.
