Steak n Shake allegedly installs anti-theft QR readers for their fountain soda machines sparking calls for boycott

Your next refill may come with an extra step.Steak ‘n Shake customers are spotting QR codes at the soda machines.

In a video reshared on X by @McFranchisee — the original TikTok was posted by @scottiferr — the video shows a customer pushing the dispenser and nothing coming out.That is until they scan a QR code near the machine.Once scanned, the diner pushes the soda dispensers to a flow of sugary goodness. While the original TikTok was dropped back in 2024, Steak ‘n Shake recently commented on the post from @McFranchisee confirming the controversial tech, and throwing some snarky shade to its rivals.“We have a system that limits each regular beverage to a very generous 40-ounce serving (excluding ice) so we can keep prices affordable for our loyal guests and maintain self-service refills,” the company said on X.“Many of our competitors have gotten rid of self-serve soda fountains and free refills.

Not us.You are welcome!” Steak ‘n Shake added.

The Post reached out to Steak ‘n Shake to find out how many locations have implemented the QR scanners and when but has not heard back.@McFranchisee said in their post that the move happened during remodels as a way to check a customer’s proof of purchase, causing some diners to boycott as each time they want a drink, they must scan their receipt.“I think it’s a smart move that helps keep people honest.The entitlement is wild, people are genuinely mad about scanning a code for a free refill? Go to almost any other country where free refills barely exist (if at all) and they’d be begging for this system,” they wrote on X.According to The Big Lead, the change has been slowly rolling out in locations since the pandemic as germ-prevention turned into theft-prevention.

The article claims it’s all because of the cost of a medium fountain soda.Steak ‘n Shake claims the move is for keeping costs low as the chain has to account for the syrup plus carbonated water and CO2.The Big Lead revealed tha...