Florida woman goes to Steak ’n Shake. Then she realizes she now needs to scan a QR code to dispense Coca-Cola
When Shandeia (@shandeeeezy) stopped at a Steak ’n Shake in Gainesville, Florida, and encountered something she’d never seen before: a fountain drink machine that wouldn’t dispense a drop without scanning a QR code first.
The Miami-based model and user generated content (UGC) creator’s reaction video, captioned, “Excuse the f outta me. Year 3005 type shhh,” has since racked up 1.5 million views.
The comments make one thing clear: she was not alone in her confusion.
Why do Steak ‘n Shake’s fountain drinks require a QR code?
Steak ’n Shake has been rolling out a new soda machine system across its locations. When you order a drink, you receive a QR code on your receipt. You then scan that code at the machine to dispense your soda. You’re only allowed to fill the exact number of ounces you purchased.
So why did it implement this change? Well, you can thank the pandemic for the once germ-prevention tactic that has become a theft-prevention measure that prevents unlimited or unauthorized refills.
For context on what’s actually at stake here: the product cost of a medium fountain soda — syrup plus carbonated water and CO2 — costs the restaurant roughly $0.20. Fast food chains typically mark that up between 800% and 1,100%. Soda is one of the most profitable items on any fast food menu.
Are QR codes coming to other fountain drinks?
Shandeia isn’t the first person to encounter this. Multiple TikTokers have documented the same experience at Steak ’n Shake locations across the country, with some noting that the QR code system has been quietly rolling out for months. One common complaint is that customers inadvertently throw away the QR code, mistaking it for a survey receipt. Then they’re stuck waiting for staff assistance to get their drink.
But the broader anxiety in the comments isn’t really about Steak ’n Shake. It’s about what this signals for the trajectory of fast food: kiosk ordering, app-only deals, and now gated fountain drinks. Each step creates a little more friction between a customer and a basic transaction.
It’s not clear that QR code gatekeeping on fountain sodas will last. Based on the comments, people seem to universally dislike it.
“It’s crazy how greedy companies have become,” wrote leviticus717.
The.hood.philosopher put the math in context: “Mind you, soda is already cheap AF and incredibly marked up.”
Izzyizgo had a simpler solution, writing, “Mind you, they could have just put it behind the counter and filled it up for us.”
Arandombob declared it a dealbreaker. “That would absolutely be my last time at that establishment,” they said. Shandeia replied that it was her first time there.
Mirror_rorrim didn’t mince words: “Bruh Steak ’n Shake weird af for that.”
Shandeia and Steak ’n Shake did not respond to requests for comment.
