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Culver's Quietly Made This Change and Loyal Customers Aren't Happy

The stealthy switch is causing a stir.

By Erica Loop , Edited by Amanda Machado

Updated Aug. 16, 2026

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Changes are coming to Culver's. While you can still get fan favorites like ButterBurgers and frozen custard, you won't have as much luck at the soda fountain.

You're searching for ways to stretch your fast food budget, and Culver's is the perfect answer. The lightly buttered buns, Wisconsin cheese curds, and impressive soup selection make this affordable eatery a top pick in 26 states. But now it looks like one menu item is leaving, and customers aren't thrilled.

The chain is currently making the switch from Mello Yello to Cherry Coke, and we've got you covered with everything you need to know before making your next order.

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When is Culver's making the switch from Mello Yello to Cherry Coke?

While Culver's never officially announced the change, customers started noticing the switch-up several months ago. As social media sites flooded with comments and complaints, a few supposed store employees also took to Reddit with their own explanations.

User VeryAmusedADM, a Culver's employee, posted an image reading, "Cherry Coca-Cola" on Reddit in March. They also shared this tidbit of insider information: "It was announced today that Mello Yello will be swapped for Cherry Coke. No timeline on the transition, but it will be coming!"

Interestingly, other team members doubted the validity of the news, with GlassDependent4571 replying, "Wait, where did this get announced? I asked my GM about it, and she knew nothing about this." But the Redditor/Culver's employee who initially posted about the change responded, "There's a memo in the hub."

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Why is the fast food chain changing?

Like the rollout's timetable, Culver's hasn't provided a reason for this change.

Even though there's no definitive answer, the growing popularity of Cherry Coke could play a role. Per Newsbreak, a spokesperson for Coca-Cola (who confirmed the change) said, "As consumer interest in Cherry Coke continues to grow, Culver's is excited to add it to their beverage lineup and provide guests with another flavorful option to enjoy alongside their favorite Culver's meals."

What do customers think about Culver's recent change?

Overall, Culver's customers aren't thrilled about this change. In a recent Reddit post, user Brilliant_Clothes882 bemoaned the loss, "Went to Culver's today and they informed me they don't have Mello Yello anymore. I asked if they were switching to Mountain Dew. They said no they replaced it for cherry coke. No more yello soda available," and another wrote, "Now they're even taking away Mello Yello???? Uuuugggghhhh."

Of course, the comments weren't all complaints. Redditor TypicalTylerr said, "The only person I ever saw drinking Mellow Yello at my store was my GM. I will take cherry coke over it any day! Good stuff," and user/employee Kurt_Neckerton wrote, "Mello Yello doesn't sell as much as people want to think. In the last few years I have thrown away every case of Mello when it expired, and it was still half or more full. I'm happy for the change."

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Are there other soda fountain options at Culver's?

Don't worry if you're not a Cherry Coke fan. Culver's still has plenty of other soda fountain options, including the iconic root beer. As Reddit user NothingButACasual pointed out, "I didn't realize so many people got anything other than the root beer."

Has Culver's made other menu changes recently?

This isn't the first change Culver's has made to its menu. In January of 2023, the chain switched from Pepsi products to Coca-Cola, adding Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Fanta, and now Cherry Coke to the lineup.

Along with changes to the soda fountain, the fast food eatery announced a menu shakeup for 2026. Culver's head of culinary, Kasey McDonald, said, "Our goal for 2026 is to deliver flavors that spark curiosity and keep guests coming back."

McDonald continued, "I'm very excited to push boundaries and try new things while staying true to the core Midwest items that define Culver's."

New items to look for this year include four pub burgers, pumpkin-inspired desserts, and two new flavors of the day.

Have other chains changed their soda fountains?

Other national chains have caught flak for a soda fountain switch-a-roo. Last year, Costco announced a change from Pepsi products back to Coca-Cola, leaving customers questioning their allegiance to the warehouse club's famous Food Court.

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Can fans still get Mello Yello?

Even though customers won't find Mello Yello at Culver's, the beloved beverage isn't going anywhere. You can still snag cans and bottles of the soda at grocery stores nationwide. Fast food chains, including select Arby's and Hardee's, also still have the neon-hued drink on tap.

Don't feel like going out? Amazon sells 12-packs of 12-ounce cans.

Bottom line

Keep in mind, Culver's is rolling out this change across the chain's 1,000-plus restaurants gradually. That means your nearest location could still have Mello Yello. But if it doesn't, Cherry Coke has a sweet, almost zesty kick that devotees adore. So why not give the new option a try?

Fast food eateries, like Culver's, make it easier to withstand economic downturns. But low-priced menu items aren't the only way to save. Sign up for the chain's Delicious Rewards program to score discounts and earn points to redeem for freebies.

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