Florida woman goes to Steak ’n Shake. Then she realizes she now needs to scan a QR code to dispense Coca-Cola

Key Points:

• Steak 'n Shake has introduced a new fountain drink system requiring customers to scan a QR code from their receipt to dispense their purchased soda, limiting refills to the exact amount bought.
• The change, initially a pandemic-related germ-prevention measure, now serves as a theft-prevention tactic to curb unlimited or unauthorized refills, protecting the restaurant’s high-profit soda sales.
• The QR code system has caused confusion and frustration among customers, with many accidentally discarding the code and facing delays, sparking broader concerns about increasing barriers in fast food transactions.
• While some customers view the system as overly greedy or inconvenient, others suggest simpler alternatives like staff-served drinks, and some have even vowed to stop patronizing the chain over the change.
• The future of this QR code gating on fountain drinks remains uncertain, as public backlash grows and neither Steak 'n Shake nor the viral user who highlighted the issue have commented publicly.