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McDonald’s is quietly ending the era of self-serve soda fountains nationwide.

The shift, years in the making, is part of a broader effort by McDonald’s to modernize its restaurants, reduce labor and maintenance demands, and adapt to changing consumer habits that increasingly favor takeout, delivery and drive-thru service over dining in.

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A self-serve soda fountain at a McDonald’s restaurant, a feature the company is phasing out nationwide. (Mario Tama/Getty Images / Getty Images)

The company plans to complete the transition away from self-serve beverage stations in U.S. dining rooms by 2032, with the changes expected to roll out gradually over the next several years as restaurants are remodeled or updated.

In many locations, drinks are already being prepared behind the counter rather than poured by customers, marking a clear departure from a long-standing self-service model that has been a staple of fast-food dining rooms for decades.

For customers, the change marks the end of a familiar convenience, as self-serve stations have traditionally allowed easy refills and drink customization.

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An exterior view of a McDonald’s fast food restaurant on May 24, 2024. (Paul Weaver/SOPA Images/LightRocket / Getty Images)

The move also gives McDonald’s greater control over beverage portions, cleanliness and inventory, while cutting maintainance costs for the self-serve machines.

The shift reflects a broader trend across the fast-food industry, where companies are prioritizing speed, efficiency and digital ordering over traditional dine-in experiences.

At the same time, McDonald’s has rolled out an expanded menu featuring new “dirty sodas” and refreshers as consumer demand shifts beyond traditional soft drinks and coffee.

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McDonald’s is currently rolling out new drink options, to include ‘dirty sodas.’ (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images / Getty Images)

In a statement to FOX Business, McDonald’s signaled the shift, saying: “Our fans’ love for McDonald’s beverages runs deep… Next month, we’re building on that passion with a new era of beverages, featuring a variety of Refreshers and crafted sodas rolling out nationwide.”

The company added that it will share more details soon.

McDonald’s did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment regarding the removal of the fountain machines.

A Spirit Airlines captain whose retirement flight was scrapped by the carrier’s sudden shutdown got an unexpected sendoff as a Southwest crew stepped in to honor his decades in the cockpit.

Capt. Jon Jackson was supposed to fly his final trip before retirement but instead found himself seated in the back of a Southwest flight heading home with his son, Chris Jackson, a Southwest first officer, Southwest wrote on Instagram.

“Chris casually mentioned to the flight’s pilots that this would have been his dad’s retirement flight. They seized the opportunity to change the course of the day for Capt. Jackson,” the post read.

The crew quickly sprang into action, coordinating with dispatchers to arrange a surprise retirement tribute upon landing in Baltimore.

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A Spirit Airlines Airbus A321 aircraft parked at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport after the airline announced it was ceasing operations, in Carolina, Puerto Rico, May 2, 2026. (Reuters/Ricardo Arduengo)

When the aircraft touched down, airport fire crews greeted it with a traditional water cannon salute, a symbolic honor typically reserved for milestone flights. Ground crews then welcomed the veteran pilot at the gate with cheers and a celebratory bottle of champagne.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Jon Jackson,” a gate agent said over an intercom as the retiring pilot walked out to a round of applause from airport workers and travelers at the crowded gate.

“Very overwhelming, I can’t thank you all enough,” Jackson said as he received a bottle of champagne. “As Spirit goes down, this is kind of a sad day, and you guys made it incredible. Thank you so much.”

Spirit Airlines jets sat on the tarmac at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida, on May 2, 2026. (Giorgio Viera/AFP via Getty Images)

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Southwest said the gesture was meant to recognize Jackson’s years of service after his original retirement plans were abruptly canceled.

“It was a powerful reminder of the aviation community’s ability to show respect, compassion, and solidarity when it matters most,” the airline said in the social media post.

The memorable farewell comes after Spirit announced early Saturday it would cease operations immediately, canceling all flights and shutting down customer service, leaving many travelers stranded. 

A message from Spirit Airlines at Orlando International Airport, as the airline announced it was ceasing operations early Saturday morning, in Florida, May 2, 2026. (Reuters / Miguel Rodriguez)

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The collapse of the budget airline also reignited debate over whether federal regulators got it wrong in blocking a proposed JetBlue-Spirit merger, with opponents now arguing the decision may have reduced competition and contributed to the airline’s downfall.

Fox News Digital’s Jasmine Baehr contributed to this report.