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. The company plans to complete the transition away from self-serve beverage stations in US 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.…