McDonald's customers are bidding farewell to free drink refills.
Last year, it was reported that Mickey D's was gradually phasing out its self-serve soda fountains for dine-in customers by the year 2032.
McDonald's tends to be a leader in the industry and very often, when they make big changes, other restaurants follow suit.
Does this mean it's the beginning of the end for self-serve soda machines?
When McDonald's announced its decision, it cited hygiene, theft and consumer eating habits as driving factors. Workers also say the amount of cleaning and upkeep that's required for the dispensers is pretty significant.
Instead of customers helping themselves, employees will fill customer's cups. Some restaurants also have automated systems in place, where drinks are poured as they're ordered or with the touch of a button.
Customers can still get refills, but they have to ask a worker to be topped off. How much will the refill cost? It varies. A company representative told Business Insider that charging for refills is “at the discretion of individual restaurant owner/operators.”
The notion isn't entirely new, as other fast-food chains like Shake Shack and Chick-fil-A already operate their soda system in a similar fashion.
Still, it seems like the trend may be catching on. Panera Bread customers and even those at the grocery store Wegmans have also observed a vanishing of self-serve soda machines.