McDonald’s is in the process of transitioning away from self-serve beverage stations in dining rooms across the U.S. by 2032, as conveyed by a company spokesperson in an email. The rationale behind this change is to ensure a consistent experience for both customers and crew members across all ordering points, whether it’s through McDelivery, the mobile app, kiosks, the drive-thru, or in-restaurant dining.
The goal is to streamline and establish uniformity in the beverage preparation procedures for both restaurant staff and customers, given the current disparity in pouring experiences across different ordering points. Presently, drive-thru beverages are prepared by the crew, while in-restaurant orders involve customers pouring their own drinks.
According to a report in The State Journal-Register, McDonald’s franchisees have stated that the transition has already commenced in Illinois stores.
The newspaper report indicates that this shift was prompted by concerns about public space cleanliness amidst the pandemic.
