A New Change is Coming to McDonalds
Say goodbye to the days of refilling your Coke at the self-serve machines because McDonald’s is getting rid of them for good.
That’s right, by 2032 all McDonald’s restaurants in the U.S. will say goodbye to self-served soda machines. This change will create consistency for customers and crew members across all of McDonald’s offerings, from dine-in to online delivery and drive-thru options.
McDonald’s digital sales — made up of app, delivery and kiosk purchases — accounted for almost 40% of systemwide sales for the second quarter of 2023. Revenue rose 14% to $6.5 billion for the period, the chain reported in July, and net income nearly doubled to $2.3 billion for the quarter — exceeding analysts’ expectations.
Colorado is home to 207 McDonald's restaurants. Is that considerably lower than you expected? At that number, Colorado is right smack in the middle of the country, having the 25th fewest McDonald's in the nation. California had the most of any state with 1,264 locations. (247WallSt.com)
But why the not-so-sudden-change? While the company did not specify the exact reason for this decision, some speculate it could be due to financial or sanitary concerns. For years, customers have been free to refill their beverages at the self-serve machines without having to interact with a cashier. But now, behind-the-counter soda machines will become the norm at McDonald’s, just like some other fast food chains.
But this is not an entirely new concept for McDonald’s.
Several locations across the country have already begun the transition, with Illinois being at the forefront. The State Journal-Register first reported on the company’s plans last week and customers in Illinois have already started to see this change in action.
Some experts believe this change could be a result of the shifting consumer behavior since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. With an increase in digital and online delivery sales among fast food restaurants, chains have had to adjust by enhancing their drive-thru options and partnering with delivery apps. And it looks like McDonald’s has been ahead of the game in this aspect.
In fact, the company’s digital sales accounted for almost 40% of systemwide sales in the second quarter of 2023. And with a revenue increase of 14% to $6.5 billion and a net income of $2.3 billion for the quarter, it’s safe to say that these changes have been paying off for the Golden Arches.
But don’t worry, McDonald’s lovers, this change won’t be happening overnight. You still have plenty of time to enjoy that self-serve soda while it lasts.
Oh, and here’s a fun fact for you - did you know that Colorado is home to 207 McDonald’s restaurants? Surprising, right? Well, it turns out Colorado lands right in the middle, with the 25th fewest McDonald’s in the nation. Looks like California takes the crown with a whopping 1,264 locations.
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So next time you visit your local McDonald’s, savor that refill at the self-serve machine while you can. And who knows, maybe we’ll see some new innovations in the beverage department at McDonald’s in the near future.