One McDonald’s location is reportedly no longer offering customers the ability to refill their own drinks, charging them extra if they want a refill.
The change at the location in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was noticed by an Uber Eats delivery driver, and comes about 20 years after the fast food chain introduced the self-serve fountains.
This update comes ahead of a plan by the chain to phase its self-serve soda fountains out of all its locations by 2032. McDonald’s has clarified that restaurants can still offer customers free refills “at the discretion of individual restaurant owner/operators.”
Amid its decision to phase out self-serve soda machines, McDonald’s is also reportedly considering a $5 meal plan to lure customers back to its stores, with this offer giving customers a choice between a McChicken sandwich or a McDouble burger, paired with a side of fries and a soda. Some chains like Wendy’s are already offering similar value meals.
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McDonald’s sales did go up 1.9% between January and March, though that increase was below the 2.1% increase that had been forecasted. Restaurant executives for the chain have stated they would work to offer more deals to customers.
“The consumer is certainly being very discriminating in how they spend their dollar,” McDonald’s President and CEO Chris Kempczinski said. “It may be more pronounced with lower-income consumers, but it’s important to recognize that all income cohorts are seeking value.”
