Christmas has come early for soda enthusiasts across the Valley as Coca-Cola introduces its first futuristic soda fountain in Arizona.
The sleek, stylish design and interactive touch-screen Coca-Cola Freestyle can be found at Pei Wei Asian Diner at 701 W. McDowell Road in Phoenix.
Coca-Cola Freestyle will reinvigorate the standard for soda fountains by using micro-dosing technology to dispense 106 sparkling and still beverage brands from a single freestanding unit, said Ashleigh Collins, a Coca-Cola representative.
“Coca-Cola Freestyle offers consumers an unprecedented opportunity for choice and unlimited options for ice-cold beverages served perfectly every time,” Collins said.
The soda fountain is a complete departure from standard soda machines, Collins said. Coca-Cola has adapted the product to appeal to the increasing amount of Americans who are choosing to live healthy lifestyles by developing options that would allow them to drink soda and live positively at the same time.
The machine offers 60 diet and low-calorie beverages and more than 65 caffeine-free choices, Collins said.
Phoenix resident Julia Miller was particularly excited that soda could now fit into her active lifestyle.
“I’m really excited that I can push a button, drink soda and not feel guilty about it,” Miles said after sipping on her caffeine-free grape diet Coke. “It’s genius.”
The machine creates the beverages by blending concentrated ingredients with water and sweetener at the point where the beverage is dispensed, Collins said. Coca-Cola Freestyle does not use syrup, but instead uses concentrated ingredients stored in cartridges in the dispenser cabinet.
“It’s awesome,” said Emma Green, a 7-year-old Mesa resident and Fanta fan. “The soda comes out of nowhere.”
“Each Coca-Cola Freestyle unit can dispense 106 different brands, including regular and low-calorie sparkling beverages, flavored waters, sports drinks, lemonades and options from the Coca-Cola trademark family,” Collins said.
The machine made its debut in 2009 in Atlanta and southern California, but didn’t come to Phoenix until Nov.18.
“Coca-Cola Freestyle will be in 16 locations in and around Phoenix by the end of 2010. These 16 locations include Pei Wei, along with other area restaurants,” Collins said.
“Restaurants with Coca-Cola Freestyle machines have seen significant lifts in beverage volume and revenue during the tests, as well as increased restaurant traffic,” Collins said. “Needless to say, we are excited about what’s around the corner.”
Reach the reporter at: ktenagli@asu.edu
