McDonald’s to phase out self-serve soda fountains in US by 2032, shifting to counter-served drinks.

McDonald’s is ending self-serve soda fountains across its US restaurants by 2032, transitioning to drinks prepared behind the counter. This change aims to modernize operations, reduce labor and maintenance costs, and adapt to consumer trends favoring takeout and drive-thru over dining in. The move also allows better control over portions, cleanliness, and inventory. Alongside this, McDonald’s is expanding its beverage menu with new crafted sodas and refreshers to meet evolving customer tastes.