[SoftTalker]

Most of the sales at a McDonalds are via the drive-thru. Inside sales have dropped so low that many stores don't even staff the front counter, you have to enter your own order at a kiosk in the lobby or use their mobile app.

I think your conjecture was correct 20 years ago but not at store with the latest remodels. Counter sales and inside dining are an afterthought.

The ice cream machines (all restaurant equipment, really) is very expensive and you generally don't buy more than you will actually use.

[newsclues]

Space costs money per square foot, doesn’t matter if it’s in the kitchen or dining area.

Lots of locations are in the smallest sized location possible that can fit everything they need to serve the menu.