QR Code Gate Locks Steak ’n Shake Soda Dispenser

A Steak ’n Shake in Gainesville, Florida unveiled a new fountain-drink system that requires scanning a receipt QR code at the Coca‑Cola machine to dispense your beverage, allowing only the exact ounces purchased. The change, pitched as a pandemic-era measure to curb waste and theft on a highly profitable item, has sparked widespread online confusion as other customers have shared similar experiences, signaling a broader shift toward app/kiosk-based controls in fast-food venues.