McDonald's plans to phase out self-serve beverage stations in its U.S. dining rooms by 2032, aiming to create a consistent experience for customers and staff. With this change, customers will need to go to the counter for refills. While the fast-food chain did not explicitly mention health factors, the move could unintentionally help customers consume less sugary drinks. The average American consumes nearly double the recommended amount of added sugar, and reducing access to self-serve soda machines may assist in curbing sugar intake. The decision was reportedly influenced by factors such as food safety, theft prevention, and a decline in dine-in customers. McDonald's, like other quick-service restaurants, has seen a shift towards digital sales channels, potentially indicating a future focus on digital ordering and delivery.
McDonald's plans to phase out self-serve soft drink fountains in its dining rooms across the U.S. by 2032, as fewer customers visit the dining room and opt for take-out or digital orders. The change aims to create a consistent experience across all ordering points, including McDelivery, the app, kiosk, drive-thru, and in-restaurant. Some McDonald's locations have already removed self-serve soda fountains, with customers now having to ask employees for refills at the counter. Other fast-food companies, like Yum! Brands Inc., are also considering focusing on digital sales in the future.
Oregon motorists express a mix of confusion and excitement on social media after the state lifts its 72-year ban on self-serve gas. Residents are provided with step-by-step guides on how to pump their own gas, as the learning curve proves to be a significant change. The new law allows people to choose between having an attendant pump their gas or doing it themselves. While some residents are thrilled to join the rest of the United States in this practice, others express concerns about potential job losses.
Fort Worth's 38 & Vine, an innovative wine bar that allowed customers to pour self-serve sips, has closed its locations in the Foundry District and Boerne due to a dispute with a business partner. The closure comes as a surprise since the business was doing well, according to founder Jennifer Demel. The wine bar was big on education, offering a 10-seat private tasting room for small group tastings, educational classes, and private reservations. The founders are uncertain about their future plans, but they are having a close-out sale featuring great wines at amazing prices.
