A shocking change in McDonalds: nothing is as it once was!

When we hear the word "McDonald's", images of Big Macs, McNuggets and, of course, self-service drinks appear before our eyes. Did you know that the history of these drinks is inextricably linked with the history of McDonald's?

Ray Kroc, the visionary behind the success of McDonald's, did not come from the world of fast food. His passion was buffet drinks. He was a milkshake machine salesman and McDonald's caught his attention when it became his main customer. Surprising, isn't it?

Self-service drinks were patented in the US as early as 1833 and were the heart of many pharmacies before they became part of the restaurant scene. If you've ever enjoyed classic movies like 'It's a Wonderful Life', then you know what a cult role they had at the time.

But times are inevitably changing. Maybe there are fewer people choosing to eat out, or maybe we've all underestimated the profitability of buffet drinks. Either way, change is on the horizon.

However, it's worth slowing down every once in a while and basking in the nostalgia. To remember the times when we mixed different flavors of soda in one glass and felt like true creatives. A time when a visit to McDonald's was more than just a quick bite - it was an experience.

Self-service drinks are a specialty found mainly on the North American continent. This culture offers restaurant visitors the opportunity to serve themselves the drink of their choice and to top it up if necessary. While this approach is almost taken for granted in the US and Canada, it is much less prevalent in other parts of the world. In many countries, it is common for the waiter to serve you the drink you have ordered, without the option of self-service. This difference in beverage service culture is an interesting insight into how consumer habits and expectations differ from continent to continent.

So the next time you order a drink at McDonald's, take a moment to remember the rich history and culture behind this simple act. And maybe, just maybe, grab one more buffet drink before it becomes a thing of the past.

By 2032, McDonald's will end the use of self-serve beverage stations in its restaurants across the United States.

Conclusion: They say that all good things come to an end. But that doesn't mean we can't appreciate and remember the golden times. So let's raise our glasses (or paper cups) in honor of a bygone era and in anticipation of a new one.