McDonald's is reportedly set to make a major change to how it works - and not all customers will be pleased. The national chain is reportedly set to AXE the self-serve drink machines - in favour of employees pouring customers drinks instead.
The divisive move, first reported by The State Journal-Register of Illinois, is set to disappear as owners raise problems with hygiene, theft, and consumer eating habits.
Instead, there will be a drink machine behind the counter that workers will use for all dine-in and take-out orders. Several local franchise holders have reported that the big change comes from corporate, which plans to begin the transition in Summer 2024.
Without the drink fountains, employees will be responsible for filling customers' cups.
The new drink pour system will also fight theft as customers, who brought a McDonald's cup from home, won't be able to help themselves using the soda fountains. Franchisees are attempting to create a chilled, relaxed dining experience where the customer barely lifts a finger.
As the transition rolls out next year, local franchisees say, customers will practically be waited on hand and foot if they're dining in. They won't touch their drinks or their food until a worker delivers it to their table.
It’s an evolution towards convenience and the growth of digital service,” said Mikel Petro, who with his wife and in-laws operates 15 McDonald’s throughout central Illinois.
Mikel has already taken a small step into the transition. He has instructed his employees to fill every dine-in customer's initial drink order themselves, which would be delivered with their food. He said customers can get their own refills for the time being.
Despite the positives of the change, franchisees said that it just makes sense. The dine-in McDonald's crowd has been dwindling as more people prefer to drive through or place mobile orders.
