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.
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.
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“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.”
The Washington Examiner has contacted McDonald’s for comment.
