McDonald’s is making some McChanges. And no, it isn’t to their soft-serve ice cream machines. For better or for worse, many businesses are trying to keep up with the changing landscape in a post-Covid and post-AI world. Mickey D’s is one of them. Two years ago, they attempted and failed at having AI-powered drive-thrus. They’ve regrouped, though. In an attempt to modernize their restaurants, the company has grand plans for the next few years. These plans include opening thousands of new restaurants, expanding their menu, and giving the AI-powered drive-thru program another shot. They’re also finally making good on their 2023 promise to phase out their self-serve soda machines.
The reason behind removing self-serve machines: This shift aims to deliver a more “consistent experience” for all customers, regardless of whether they’re ordering in person, via McDelivery, mobile pickup, kiosks, or at the drive-thru. Like other chains, McDonald’s has witnessed a surge in digital orders in recent years compared to traditional in-person transactions. This trend may prompt the company to adjust its operations to better accommodate pick-up orders.
Expansion plans: McDonald’s has ambitious plans to inaugurate 8,000 new global outlets by the close of 2026, marking the initial phase of the company’s grander objective to establish 50,000 locations by 2027. The expansion will prioritize high-traffic and emerging markets, whilst existing stores will also undergo enhancements to align with new operational standards.
Giving AI another try: In addition to opening new restaurants, McDonald’s is set to revolutionize 27,000 drive-thru locations by incorporating multi-lane formats to boost efficiency and better manage customer volume. Fox Business also reported that the company will be integrating AI tools developed in partnership with Google Cloud to streamline the drive-thru experience. New guidelines for franchises are on the horizon, and the company anticipates local pricing variations.
Looking at this from a logical business standpoint, I suppose removing the self-serve soda machines makes sense, especially when you factor in the rise of mobile ordering and delivery services like DoorDash. It’s also more sanitary. I’m sure it makes Mickey D’s employees’ job a little more convenient on that end, but they still now have more work to do for in-store customers. My only question is whether or not this means they’ll take away free refills. Refilling your drink before you leave is the best self-serve perk for customers.
As for the rest of their plans, I think the most notable one is the return to the AI-powered drive-thru ordering system. When McDonald’s pulled it two years ago, it was because the system’s inaccuracies were costing them money. They must feel confident enough in Google Cloud’s technology to try doing it again, despite IBM failing so spectacularly. The expansion plans are interesting, though, because although their profits were up 7% in 2025, their prices have risen more than inflation, and people have noticed. They must be hedging their bets at remaining a cheaper option when prices are going up everywhere else.
Photos credit Luis Rosero, Fajri Nugroho, RDNE stock project on Pexels, Lance Lozano on Unsplash
Most of the McDs in my area of Maryland have removed the self serve for a year or so now. Most of the time that’s all I buy from there and it takes a long time to wait for my order to be filled. I normally walk in because I’m hearing impaired.