I was wondering what your opinion is of the latest Coca Cola Freestyle Machines that replaced the old fountains at most Burger Kings, Wendys, and even Wawa Markets as well as Pei Wei fast food Asian.
To me they are cool to a point as you can add flavors to your beverage, however it is still too high tech as the big screen now is right there where everything is too much touch.
Has anyone here yet experienced them in places you buy soft drinks? If so are they better than the original fountains they replaced>
You're referring to those touchscreen things where you tap the icons for what soda you want and then what, if any, flavor you want to add, then you press the button to dispense the beverage?
I've used them at Five Guys and Elevation Burger. They seem fine to me except when you get stuck behind someone who gets confused by options (as distinct from old people confused by new designs–they usually accept help, whereas people confused by options are just overwhelmed by not being able to select one). I have not noticed any kind of problem with the drink flavor if the person before me got something different from what I wanted. I don't go for all the weird flavors in my soda, but in principle I like the idea of these machines giving you more options for the basic soda than the traditional machines did. Stuff like Dr Pepper/Mr. Pibb isn't offered all that often at the traditional dispensers but seems routine at these new ones.
I think they're yet another way to make obesity fun.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on February 03, 2015, 12:41:24 PM
I think they're yet another way to make obesity fun.
It is fun.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thundertix.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F09%2Fsocial-media-ticket-sales-ride-the-hashtag.jpg&hash=e50a5ed3fbc719d63d5104ab888e9e33db8e4bac)
Because I drink Coke, not Coke mixed with 37 flavors (*), I get a bit annoyed with the machines. The touch screen can be hard to accept your touch. Since most places only have 1, I have to wait for the person in front of me trying to figure out what they want. If it breaks down, then there's no soda machine whatsoever. At a traditional dispenser, two people can pour soda at once if the dispensers are on opposite ends of the machine.
My local Wawa just got the machine Friday night. But apparently they had to shut down their entire food prep area to do it, even though the machine is relatively far removed from the food prep area. I stopped in there to get a meatball sandwich, and they only had two meatballs left (Wawa's policy is to always have meatballs available for sandwiches). At least she gave them to me for free.
* - Install a Coke with ability to mix with rum, jack, etc, then I'll change my tune a bit! :-)
I haven't actually been in a fast-food establishment in like 6 years now. This is what they have now? Hmm, the only Coke I like is regular, cherry, or vanilla. I'm not sure I want to mix it with other drinks (except Sprite; that's a tasty drink).
I've seen these now at Atlanta Bread Company and Noodles & Co, and Garbanzo's has the Pepsi version. Horrible. It takes everybody longer to get their drink, and there's only one spigot, so there is no hope of 2 people serving themselves at once. This tends to cause lots of people mingling with the order line, blocking the entrance or blocking aisles between tables.
It's strange--I still have yet to be at a store or restaurant that has a Freestyle machine. I guess I've been to enough places that have tons of selection (QT, RaceTrac, some 7-Elevens) in traditional fountains or in coolers, that I'm not missing a whole lot.
6 years, Zeffy?? That's a lot of time away...I'm guessing you're better off as far as health goes. I need to get off the fast-food merry-go-round for the most part, myself.
Quote from: Zeffy on February 03, 2015, 12:50:56 PM
I haven't actually been in a fast-food establishment in like 6 years now. This is what they have now? Hmm, the only Coke I like is regular, cherry, or vanilla. I'm not sure I want to mix it with other drinks (except Sprite; that's a tasty drink).
I don't think the machines let you mix different sodas–like, say, half Coke and half Sprite–unless you stop filling your cup and then start over with the other. Rather, the way it works is you first select the basic soda (say, regular Coke) and then it offers you a choice of regular Coke or Coke mixed with various flavors like cherry or vanilla and probably some others (I don't normally drink regular Coke, so I don't know what the range is). For Diet Coke it probably offers lime, cherry, and some others. So the flavor is predetermined, so to speak, and if you want to depart from their flavor menu and mix different sodas, you have to do it via essentially the old-fashioned way, which would take longer on this sort of machine due to having to go back through the touchscreen instead of just moving your cup to a different spout.
BTW, I've seen at least one place that had two of these machines–a Five Guys on US-1 south of Alexandria. I think the Elevation Burger at Fair Oaks Mall may have had two as well, but I don't recall. I would not be surprised if the Five Guys near Verizon Center has two because of how busy it gets (they could use three in the hour or two before a game), but I have not been in there in at least a year. I like Five Guys, but I try not to go there too often!
Quote from: txstateends on February 03, 2015, 01:06:48 PM
6 years, Zeffy?? That's a lot of time away...I'm guessing you're better off as far as health goes. I need to get off the fast-food merry-go-round for the most part, myself.
Oh, I meant I haven't
physically gone into a fast-food joint in 6 years. I still eat it at least once a week though, which is much better than the 3-4 times a week when I was a teenager.
I like the raspberry Sprite. Adding vanilla to Barq's was yuck. YMMV.
Rick
Quote from: Pete from Boston on February 03, 2015, 12:41:24 PM
I think they're yet another way to make obesity fun.
Raspberry Coke Zero is about the only form of Coke I enjoy.
It hasn't hit Burger King around here yet. My school did get a bunch of the machines at our various dining facilities on our campuses, and at least among the youth it doesn't seem too hard for them to grasp. Even at Wendy's I've never encountered much of a wait.
Personally, I like the option to get drinks that are hard to find at most soda machines, particularly diet options like Diet Barq's, Sprite Zero, and even Coke Zero, although not every option is available (no Caffeine Free Coke Zero around here, or newfangled stuff like Coke Life).
Quote from: lordsutch on February 03, 2015, 09:57:51 PM
It hasn't hit Burger King around here yet.
As far as I know, they are only being installed at company-owned locations for now. The locations near you may be franchise locations. Not sure if franchise locations will be getting them in the future. Even if the franchise locations were to get them, it would probably be up to the owner of the specific location whether or not they want one, and are free to opt out.
Hopefully the restaurants also have these installed:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FoUvN60p.jpg%3F1&hash=470465d998c293449002bee3766879509619f064)
Does the machine offer the new CocaCola Life?
You know, road geeking and avoiding fast food places sounds like a challenge.
Good job to those who can though
Quote from: The Nature Boy on February 03, 2015, 11:38:08 PM
You know, road geeking and avoiding fast food places sounds like a challenge.
Good job to those who can though
I bet there are indoor grills that plug into car lighter sockets.
Quote from: 02 Park Ave on February 03, 2015, 11:01:43 PM
Does the machine offer the new CocaCola Life?
Not yet.
My personal favorites in the Freestyle are:
Coca-Cola Orange
Mello-Yello Peach
Quote from: kurumi on February 03, 2015, 10:58:58 PM
Hopefully the restaurants also have these installed:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FoUvN60p.jpg%3F1&hash=470465d998c293449002bee3766879509619f064)
North Carolina excluded (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/wp/2015/02/03/the-next-public-health-debate-hand-washing/)
Quote from: Mr. Matté on February 04, 2015, 06:55:45 AM
Quote from: kurumi on February 03, 2015, 10:58:58 PM
Hopefully the restaurants also have these installed:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FoUvN60p.jpg%3F1&hash=470465d998c293449002bee3766879509619f064)
North Carolina excluded (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/wp/2015/02/03/the-next-public-health-debate-hand-washing/)
Why don't people get that public health is not simply individual health multiplied many times?
Quote from: NE2 on February 04, 2015, 12:12:02 AM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on February 03, 2015, 11:38:08 PM
You know, road geeking and avoiding fast food places sounds like a challenge.
Good job to those who can though
I bet there are indoor grills that plug into car lighter sockets.
You could just get an adapter for your lighter socket that turns it into a standard electrical plug. I've seen those for sale in stores like Radio Shack, though I've never had any reason to buy one. (There is a Radio Shack a few minutes' walk from our house. I go there when I need those round-style "button batteries.")
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 04, 2015, 11:26:59 AM
Quote from: NE2 on February 04, 2015, 12:12:02 AM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on February 03, 2015, 11:38:08 PM
You know, road geeking and avoiding fast food places sounds like a challenge.
Good job to those who can though
I bet there are indoor grills that plug into car lighter sockets.
You could just get an adapter for your lighter socket that turns it into a standard electrical plug. I've seen those for sale in stores like Radio Shack, though I've never had any reason to buy one. (There is a Radio Shack a few minutes' walk from our house. I go there when I need those round-style "button batteries.")
Not for long.
In any case, anything that cooks draws a crapload of current and will wreck your adapter and probably a lot of the car electrics.
Quote from: lordsutch on February 03, 2015, 09:57:51 PM
Even at Wendy's I've never encountered much of a wait.
I can't recall the last time I was in Wendy's and there was more than one cashier. Even if there were several people in line, the jam would be at the register, then those people trickle to the soda machine. If it was a McDonalds where 3 registers may be in use at one time, they would be a jam at the soda machine.
I love these machines! My favorite kinds of soda are hard to come by at soda machines, but I can always find one I'm excited about with these. Multiple flavors of ginger ale? Count me in! I have a friend (upper-middle age) whose wife loves suicides, so they sometimes go to Burger King just for the sake of the soda machine.
The only one I've seen is at a Buger King near where I live. I had no real issues using them.
In terms of lines, I've encountered more waiting issues at the ordering counter than at the Freestyle machine.
I've become quite fond of the raspberry + soda of my choosing flavor. Peach Sprite is surprisingly also an offbeat yet tasty flavor.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on February 04, 2015, 01:13:01 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 04, 2015, 11:26:59 AM
Quote from: NE2 on February 04, 2015, 12:12:02 AM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on February 03, 2015, 11:38:08 PM
You know, road geeking and avoiding fast food places sounds like a challenge.
Good job to those who can though
I bet there are indoor grills that plug into car lighter sockets.
You could just get an adapter for your lighter socket that turns it into a standard electrical plug. I've seen those for sale in stores like Radio Shack, though I've never had any reason to buy one. (There is a Radio Shack a few minutes' walk from our house. I go there when I need those round-style "button batteries.")
Not for long.
In any case, anything that cooks draws a crapload of current and will wreck your adapter and probably a lot of the car electrics.
Yeah, of course. I was just commenting on what NE2 said. Notice I was careful not to comment on whether it would be a good idea to use that sort of thing for that purpose! (I could see the potential use for one of the plug adapters I described for things like charging mobile phones that use different connectors so you need not bring multiple car chargers–my wife has an iPhone 4s with the old connector and I have an iPhone 6 with the new smaller connector, for example. I've never bothered because I have a "Powerbag" messenger bag for travel–the bag has a built-in battery pack and cables, so I just use that and don't worry about a car charger.)
We use a lighter socket adapter on every long trip. We have a portable DVD player for the kids; on the road, we plug it into the lighter socket and set it in between the front seats on a pillow, or sometimes just behind the console on top of a food cooler. I've also used an adapter on someone else's car at a campground in Ontario; we got in at 10:00 or 11:00 at night, and they let us pump up the air mattress with a power pump plugged into their car.
While I appreciate the variety, especially in the non-carbonated choices (usually 1-2 elsewhere), I think I read somewhere these machines are capable of only serving 95 drinks per hour, so that's one every 38 seconds. It's not hard to get a line in a busy restaurant, especially if there's kids that want to mess with the touch screen and try every flavor.
More than anything though, I always see these as a single point of failure since many that have them only have 1 machine, and there's one nozzle.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on February 04, 2015, 11:09:54 AM
Quote from: Mr. Matté on February 04, 2015, 06:55:45 AM
Quote from: kurumi on February 03, 2015, 10:58:58 PM
Hopefully the restaurants also have these installed:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FoUvN60p.jpg%3F1&hash=470465d998c293449002bee3766879509619f064)
North Carolina excluded (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/wp/2015/02/03/the-next-public-health-debate-hand-washing/)
Why don't people get that public health is not simply individual health multiplied many times?
...sadly, the race to the bottom doesn't have a lap counter.
The Five Guys in Old Town Wichita has two machines, I believe. At any rate, I don't find it all that uncommon for people to block access to a soda fountain for at least 38 seconds. IMO, more important to throughput (hey, we're roadgeeks, right) at these machines is the floor layout and the location of straws, lids, etc.
On the few ocassions I've encountered a Coca Cola freestyle dispenser (they're still quite rare in the Boston area), I can't help but think of the "Nutrimatic Drinks Dispenser" routine from
The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy:
QuoteWhen the 'Drink' button is pressed it makes an instant but highly detailed examination of the subject's taste buds, a spectroscopic analysis of the subject's metabolism, and then sends tiny experimental signals down the neural pathways to the taste centres of the subject's brain to see what is likely to be well received.
However, no-one knows quite why it does this because it then invariably delivers a cupful of liquid that is almost, but not quite, entirely unlike tea.
Quotealmost, but not quite, entirely unlike tea.
Possibly my all-time favorite literary quote!
Quote from: kphoger on February 06, 2015, 11:21:17 AM
Quotealmost, but not quite, entirely unlike tea.
Possibly my all-time favorite literary quote!
I paraphrase this with frequency.
They also have them at Moe's Southwest Grill, including their own Vanilla At Peachtree flavor in regular and diet
I'm sort of a soda purist. I don't like the different flavors the Freestyle machines have. But I do love the fan that blows on the drink so you don't have to wait for the fizz to go down.
I love the Freestyle, because grape Mello Yello.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on February 03, 2015, 12:41:24 PM
I think they're yet another way to make obesity fun.
We're not the fattest country anymore so fuck it.
One fun fact about the Freestyle machines. The technologies involved were originally developed for ink jet printer cartridges.
I heard that coke also tracks the syrup use and the store managers of the business using it does not have to order by phone or on line anymore. I do not know if it is true or not, but with micro managing these days, it fits the MO.
The machine is linked via internet. Its actually quite common with vending machines nowadays. If the machine knows its running low on flavors, its best to have replacements shipped and on hand before it runs out!
Plus less on inventory control as well making a manager or controllers job much easier.
Quote from: KG909 on February 16, 2015, 12:53:35 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on February 03, 2015, 12:41:24 PM
I think they're yet another way to make obesity fun.
We're not the fattest country anymore so fuck it.
In the old days it was "We're number one!" Now it is "We're not last!"
I just wish they included birch beer from Fanta. I mean they have every other Coke flavor available in some form or fashion.
I like the Freestyle machines. We have them at Firehouse Subs here in Huntsville.
They just installed a Freestyle machine at the Wawa near my work. Previously I had only seen them in Five Guys and a fast food place somewhere. A Coke rep was standing next to it on the first day helping people use it (as if it is that complicated...) Of course, while waiting in the checkout line, there was a guy complaining about it to the cashier that he wanted the old machine back. When she pointed over to it and told him that he just had to touch the soda that he wanted, she got a "Bahhh!" type reaction. I'm all for it, as long as they keep the flavorings stocked.
I've used these machines at my local Five Guys. I don't get soda, so I haven't tried any of the combos yet. It definitely is a lot more "fun" to use then the old machines.
Burger King was out of Desani Water. Must not be hooked up on line or someone did not load the shipment in.
Went there for lunch and had to get Sprite Zero with Raspberry in it instead.
Quote from: roadman65 on February 16, 2015, 04:10:59 PMBurger King was out of Desani Water.
Couldn't they pour a fresh one out of the tap? I guess it wouldn't have the added carcinogens that make it Desani, rather than bottled tap water ;P
CocaCola pulled Desani from the UK after 36 days and I'm surprised the US still has it.
Quote from: english si on February 16, 2015, 06:44:40 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on February 16, 2015, 04:10:59 PMBurger King was out of Desani Water.
Couldn't they pour a fresh one out of the tap? I guess it wouldn't have the added carcinogens that make it Desani, rather than bottled tap water ;P
CocaCola pulled Desani from the UK after 36 days and I'm surprised the US still has it.
Or they could have poured Zephyrhills into it as it has no difference between standard tap either.
Quote from: english si on February 16, 2015, 06:44:40 PM
CocaCola pulled Desani from the UK after 36 days and I'm surprised the US still has it.
Whatever branding problems they had in the UK didn't affect it (or Aquafina or Nestle Pure-life or the umpteen other brands of bottled municipal water) here.
Quote from: 02 Park Ave on February 03, 2015, 11:01:43 PM
Does the machine offer the new CocaCola Life?
I just asked the Freestyle people on Twitter about this and to see if it was on the roadmap for them to add. Here's their response to me:
https://twitter.com/ccfreestyle/status/567677323328389120
My local Wendy's got one sometime last year. I've enjoyed trying the different flavors of Fanta, and also adding cherry to just about everything.
Quote from: Buck87 on February 18, 2015, 04:38:23 PM
My local Wendy's got one sometime last year. I've enjoyed trying the different flavors of Fanta, and also adding cherry to just about everything.
Really? I have never been to a Wendy's that didn't keep their pop machine behind the counter.
I just wish they had the plain old "soda" option most fountain machines have.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 18, 2015, 08:41:36 PM
Quote from: Buck87 on February 18, 2015, 04:38:23 PM
My local Wendy's got one sometime last year. I've enjoyed trying the different flavors of Fanta, and also adding cherry to just about everything.
Really? I have never been to a Wendy's that didn't keep their pop machine behind the counter.
Wendy's is slowly upgrading all the stores machines. If the store is planned for a complete overhaul, they'll be getting a Freestyle when they reopen.
I stopped by the Boudin in the basement of Macy's in SF late last summer and they were cursing the hell out of the Freestyle machines--I managed to get a drink and a refill before they both conked out and no one could get them to work...they were calling for repairs "again". Used the Freestyle at Five Guys a couple times as well; some flavors that sounded interesting turned out to be too putrid to drink after all though. :P
Omg I LOVE the freestyle machines. I try not to drink a lot of soda, but I cannot resist when I see them. I usually get diet cherry vanilla dr. pepper!
iPhone
Noodles and Company has them. I like the concept but to me the pop tastes weird out of them because of all the incidental flavor mixing.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 25, 2015, 06:20:11 PM
Noodles and Company has them. I like the concept but to me the pop tastes weird out of them because of all the incidental flavor mixing.
Try running a little water first. That normally fixes that problem.
Do any of these machines offer the Italian beverage called Beverly? If you haven't tried it at any of the World of Coca-Colas, you have to try it at least once in your lifetime. Even more fun if you can get an unsuspecting kid to drink it, telling them it is best to down it all at once!!!
/Those who've tried it know what I'm talking about. :evilgrin:
Quote from: thenetwork on February 26, 2015, 12:53:23 AM
Do any of these machines offer the Italian beverage called Beverly? If you haven't tried it at any of the World of Coca-Colas, you have to try it at least once in your lifetime. Even more fun if you can get an unsuspecting kid to drink it, telling them it is best to down it all at once!!!
/Those who've tried it know what I'm talking about. :evilgrin:
Good lord.
When I was at the one in Atlanta the girl running the 4D theater told everyone to make sure to try her home nation's favorite drink "Beverly." Not sure if this was some sort of cruel running joke among the world of coke employees, or if she was really a fan of it.
And no, it's not on any coke freestyle that I've seen.
Beverly hasn't been produced since 2009. World of Coca-Cola is the only place you can find it anymore, including Italy.
The Coke freestyle at my local Wendy's now has a different starting screen where you have 4 category lists to choose from: All drinks (former main page list), low/no cal, caffeine free, and fruit flavored....then it breaks down further from there. I like how you can now hit fruit flavored, then cherry, and have a list of everything that is available with cherry.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 18, 2015, 08:41:36 PM
Quote from: Buck87 on February 18, 2015, 04:38:23 PM
My local Wendy's got one sometime last year. I've enjoyed trying the different flavors of Fanta, and also adding cherry to just about everything.
Really? I have never been to a Wendy's that didn't keep their pop machine behind the counter.
There are three Wendy's near me. Two of the three, until recently, had the machines behind the counter. The other was one of the new Wendy's (with their new design) and already had a Freestyle installed. The former two now have freestyles near the condiment center.
An Old County Buffet near me (also called Old Town Buffet and Country Buffet) recently replaced their Freestyle with a typical soda machine. My assumption is that the freestyle was too slow for the pigs that eat there (including me). It was constantly messy and people were always complaining. I blame the staff for not keeping it clean and the customers for being incredibly messy and impatient. Either way, it was hardly a good match.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FihfRZSV.jpg&hash=1666597af7822dc0f3a2698cd33c06aa21cf8b0a)
Quote from: Buck87 on March 18, 2015, 05:32:46 PM
The Coke freestyle at my local Wendy's now has a different starting screen where you have 4 category lists to choose from: All drinks (former main page list), low/no cal, caffeine free, and fruit flavored....then it breaks down further from there. I like how you can now hit fruit flavored, then cherry, and have a list of everything that is available with cherry.
This is a recent software update that has been rolling out nationwide. I'm not sure if all machines have gotten the update yet.
Quote from: Pink Jazz on March 18, 2015, 08:11:26 PM
Quote from: Buck87 on March 18, 2015, 05:32:46 PM
The Coke freestyle at my local Wendy's now has a different starting screen where you have 4 category lists to choose from: All drinks (former main page list), low/no cal, caffeine free, and fruit flavored....then it breaks down further from there. I like how you can now hit fruit flavored, then cherry, and have a list of everything that is available with cherry.
This is a recent software update that has been rolling out nationwide. I'm not sure if all machines have gotten the update yet.
The update showed up at my local Wendy's last week. Plus, it came with a new flavored water drink (can't remember the name at this moment).
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on March 18, 2015, 08:13:21 PM
The update showed up at my local Wendy's last week. Plus, it came with a new flavored water drink (can't remember the name at this moment).
Apparently, the update started rolling out at the beginning of this month, so probably not all machines have gotten it yet.
One thing I don't understand is why is there no soda water option on these machines. Many regular fountains have it. Perhaps it can be a sub-selection of the water option. However, one mystery: do restaurants consider soda water as soda or as water? It doesn't seem very fair to charge a full soda price for soda water, since syrup costs much more than CO2.
I finally stumbled upon my first Freestyle machine at a Noodles and Company.
THE GOOD: All the different choices of beverages & flavors.
THE BAD: I went to one subscreen and before I could see all the options of actual Coca-Cola choices, the screen reverted back to the home screen. I know they want to "keep the line moving", but give me a chance to see all that is available -- and I am usually a quick reader.
Quote from: thenetwork on March 18, 2015, 08:56:12 PM
THE BAD: I went to one subscreen and before I could see all the options of actual Coca-Cola choices, the screen reverted back to the home screen. I know they want to "keep the line moving", but give me a chance to see all that is available -- and I am usually a quick reader.
That reminds me, another change I noticed about the one at my local Wendy's was that after a few seconds of inactivity a popup with a timer appeared saying "are you still there?" giving you a chance to tap it and stay on the page before it reverts back to the main screen.
Quote from: Buck87 on March 18, 2015, 09:57:21 PM
That reminds me, another change I noticed about the one at my local Wendy's was that after a few seconds of inactivity a popup with a timer appeared saying "are you still there?" giving you a chance to tap it and stay on the page before it reverts back to the main screen.
My guess is that the machine thenetwork used must still have the old software.
Quote from: Buck87 on March 18, 2015, 09:57:21 PM
That reminds me, another change I noticed about the one at my local Wendy's was that after a few seconds of inactivity a popup with a timer appeared saying "are you still there?" giving you a chance to tap it and stay on the page before it reverts back to the main screen.
Never seen that happen on the ones at our Wendy's. However, I have noticed that one of the two machines loves to get stuck on the most recent selection and just sit on that drink selection forever sometimes till somebody new hits the 'start over' button.
My favorite flavors:
Cherry Coke Zero
Cherry-Vanilla Coke Zero
Coke Zero with Lemon
Coke Zero with Lime
Cherry-Lemonade Coke Zero (this option requires me to fill my cup with ½ Cherry Coke Zero and ½ Lemon Coke Zero as there is no one button for Cherry-Lemon Coke Zero)
Quote from: thenetwork on February 26, 2015, 12:53:23 AM
Do any of these machines offer the Italian beverage called Beverly? If you haven't tried it at any of the World of Coca-Colas, you have to try it at least once in your lifetime. Even more fun if you can get an unsuspecting kid to drink it, telling them it is best to down it all at once!!!
/Those who've tried it know what I'm talking about. :evilgrin:
I've had it once or twice at Epcot - I think it's actually power steering fluid.
Quote from: Pink Jazz on March 18, 2015, 08:25:10 PM
One thing I don't understand is why is there no soda water option on these machines. Many regular fountains have it. Perhaps it can be a sub-selection of the water option. However, one mystery: do restaurants consider soda water as soda or as water? It doesn't seem very fair to charge a full soda price for soda water, since syrup costs much more than CO2.
In Europe water costs the same as pop -- sparkling or still.
Quote from: GCrites80s on April 07, 2015, 09:11:19 PMIn Europe water costs the same as pop -- sparkling or still.
Not true at all. Mineral Water costs the same as pop, but bottled tap water is dirt cheap. Tap water in British restaurants/pubs is free.
On the Continent if you get fast food they charge you for water. I'm not talking about sit-down or pubs.
Quote from: Pink Jazz on March 18, 2015, 08:25:10 PM
One thing I don't understand is why is there no soda water option on these machines. Many regular fountains have it. Perhaps it can be a sub-selection of the water option. However, one mystery: do restaurants consider soda water as soda or as water? It doesn't seem very fair to charge a full soda price for soda water, since syrup costs much more than CO2.
I have an ongoing discussion about this with an Indiana native, who claims this option doesn't exist there because nobody would use it. Seltzer only became reliably available in supermarkets there, she says, in recent years. Here the button is not 100%, but it is common. At least one local burrito chain has "SODA" as one of the six or eight displayed offerings, which makes it full price. At least those guys carry lime wedges.
Quote from: GCrites80s on April 08, 2015, 10:24:04 PMOn the Continent if you get fast food they charge you for water. I'm not talking about sit-down or pubs.
In the UK, they will give you expensive bottled water if you don't specifically say 'tap water' and invoke the law that means it's a free drink. They will do whatever they can get away with to not give you tap water (unless you are somewhere fancy). Though apparently (while most chain fast food joints have company policy to abide by the tap water convention) only those places that serve alcohol must do it in the UK.
I imagine that if you ask for water (using the special code phrase) in a lot of continental Europe, even at fast food locations, you would get it for free. But if you ask for water not using the code phrase, you won't trigger the free tap water. In France it's more the case than the UK -
all restaurants must provide it free (though I guess they mostly serve alcohol anyway - even McDonalds). I found Germany and Portugal also have such a law that all restaurants have to serve free tap water with a code phrase.
Certainly not paying for water is something you have to put effort into in Europe, but it is possible.
Quote from: english si on April 08, 2015, 04:54:32 AM
Quote from: GCrites80s on April 07, 2015, 09:11:19 PMIn Europe water costs the same as pop -- sparkling or still.
Not true at all. Mineral Water costs the same as pop, but bottled tap water is dirt cheap. Tap water in British restaurants/pubs is free.
Likewise in the US and Canada. Some fast food and fast causal restaurants even have smaller cups provided for water next to the pop machine. Usually if you ask for water in a sit-down restaurant, you'll get free tap water unless you specifically specify "bottled water".
Quote from: Pete from Boston on April 09, 2015, 09:45:56 AM
Quote from: Pink Jazz on March 18, 2015, 08:25:10 PM
One thing I don't understand is why is there no soda water option on these machines. Many regular fountains have it. Perhaps it can be a sub-selection of the water option. However, one mystery: do restaurants consider soda water as soda or as water? It doesn't seem very fair to charge a full soda price for soda water, since syrup costs much more than CO2.
I have an ongoing discussion about this with an Indiana native, who claims this option doesn't exist there because nobody would use it. Seltzer only became reliably available in supermarkets there, she says, in recent years. Here the button is not 100%, but it is common. At least one local burrito chain has "SODA" as one of the six or eight displayed offerings, which makes it full price. At least those guys carry lime wedges.
In Oklahoma you will sometimes see soda water on taps, sometimes not. Often it is an unlabeled lever next to, say, the Mountain Dew. I have never seen anyone use it for anything, other than perhaps employees checking the carbonation, or bar staff using it as a base for another drink.
When I managed a Burger King, I never had the issue of the price of soda water come up, but if asked I probably would have given it out for free. We had special clear cups we gave people for free water (so we would know if people were getting Coke without paying: we usually didn't notice because be cause we were busy with other things but we did call a few people out on it).
Do people actually drink straight soda water? The taste is far too bitter for me.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on April 09, 2015, 09:45:56 AM
Quote from: Pink Jazz on March 18, 2015, 08:25:10 PM
One thing I don't understand is why is there no soda water option on these machines. Many regular fountains have it. Perhaps it can be a sub-selection of the water option. However, one mystery: do restaurants consider soda water as soda or as water? It doesn't seem very fair to charge a full soda price for soda water, since syrup costs much more than CO2.
I have an ongoing discussion about this with an Indiana native, who claims this option doesn't exist there because nobody would use it. Seltzer only became reliably available in supermarkets there, she says, in recent years. Here the button is not 100%, but it is common. At least one local burrito chain has "SODA" as one of the six or eight displayed offerings, which makes it full price. At least those guys carry lime wedges.
I've never seen anyone around here ask for plain seltzer water at a restaurant. It is available at grocers and party stores, usually for mixing with something else (typically alcohol).
Seltzer is big in the NYC metro area as its popular with the Jewish population. The local Shop-Rite even has an entire section of shelves stocked with 12 pack cases of 1L bottles of seltzer in various flavors. Sometimes if you hit a good sale, its around 35 cents a 1L bottle. Despite that, I have never encountered a soda fountain that served seltzer, unless it was broken or out of syrup.
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 09, 2015, 12:52:21 PM
Do people actually drink straight soda water?
Huh? Seriously? No, all those cases of it at the grocery store are just for show.
Honestly, much of Europe consumes sparkling water more than tap water. I'm thinking especially of Germany, where drinking still water at a restaurant can be considered a demeaning thing.
I enjoy sparkling water at home and occasionally in restaurants. I find that it's the perfect complement to a sweet dessert. I'm also exploring some new flavors that have shown up in the store recently; right now I'm working through a case of coconut-flavored La Croix, which has been even yummier than I anticipated.
Quote from: NJRoadfan on April 09, 2015, 03:40:58 PM
Seltzer is big in the NYC metro area as its popular with the Jewish population. The local Shop-Rite even has an entire section of shelves stocked with 12 pack cases of 1L bottles of seltzer in various flavors. Sometimes if you hit a good sale, its around 35 cents a 1L bottle. Despite that, I have never encountered a soda fountain that served seltzer, unless it was broken or out of syrup.
I grew up on it in that area. Made me a much healthier soda drinker as a result (used to drink Sprite, but after getting used to seltzer and lime, Sprite tasted like pure sugar).
When I traveled more regularly to Shop-Rite territory, I would stock up there–1ℓ bottles got as low as 3 for a buck, no deposit. That's a very rare price in Massachusetts. I've gotten it once in the past three or four years, on a combo of store and manufacturer promotions. Typical here is 50¢ plus deposit, sale price.
Seltzer is my preferred compromise between plain (just water) and hypercaloric (sweetened soda). I just need a little distraction, I guess, and bubbles alone do it for me.
Quote from: kphoger on April 09, 2015, 09:14:31 PMdrinking still water at a restaurant can be considered a demeaning thing.
Certainly in pubs in England, it's considered bad form and cheapskate to order tap water. I can imagine it being the same in Germany.
As such, people not looking to spend much money order a lime and soda - soda water with lime cordial added. It's (significantly - like half the price, if not less) cheaper than soda water mixed with syrup (typically only a choice of Cola, Lemonade and diet versions) that comes through the same nozzle. Note, however that it has (a dash of) flavouring added rather than neat - that's as English people seemingly haven't acquired a taste for soda water (though sparkling water is on sale in supermarkets).
Quote from: english si on April 10, 2015, 04:45:28 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 09, 2015, 09:14:31 PMdrinking still water at a restaurant can be considered a demeaning thing.
Certainly in pubs in England, it's considered bad form and cheapskate to order tap water. I can imagine it being the same in Germany.
I'm OK with this if the person is a strict DD, someone that wants water along with their beer, or if they're ordering it to accompany something else ordered. I'll definitely see it as bad form if they go into a bar, take a seat, and only order free tap water.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 10, 2015, 08:13:32 AMI'm OK with this if the person is a strict DD, someone that wants water along with their beer, or if they're ordering it to accompany something else ordered.
So would Brits. The issue is only ordering a pint of tap water and not having anything else.
Designated Drivers, etc would probably have a soda or juice if only getting their drink.
And in restaurants, similar - fine if you have other drinks, looks cheap if that's all you have.
Seltzer water is really good for blasting Moe in the face.
Quote from: english si on April 10, 2015, 08:32:50 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 10, 2015, 08:13:32 AMI'm OK with this if the person is a strict DD, someone that wants water along with their beer, or if they're ordering it to accompany something else ordered.
So would Brits. The issue is only ordering a pint of tap water and not having anything else.
Designated Drivers, etc would probably have a soda or juice if only getting their drink.
And in restaurants, similar - fine if you have other drinks, looks cheap if that's all you have.
I didn't mean that ordering tap water makes one look like a cheapskate. I meant that tap water is seen as a poor man's drink.
Oops.. Wrong post there, that I quoted. Oh, well, too lazy to fix it.
Quote from: kphoger on April 09, 2015, 09:14:31 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 09, 2015, 12:52:21 PM
Do people actually drink straight soda water?
Huh? Seriously? No, all those cases of it at the grocery store are just for show.
Honestly, much of Europe consumes sparkling water more than tap water. I'm thinking especially of Germany, where drinking still water at a restaurant can be considered a demeaning thing.
I enjoy sparkling water at home and occasionally in restaurants. I find that it's the perfect complement to a sweet dessert. I'm also exploring some new flavors that have shown up in the store recently; right now I'm working through a case of coconut-flavored La Croix, which has been even yummier than I anticipated.
Like I said, I've never personally seen anyone drinking it straight. I know it can be used as a base for other beverages, though, so I figured that accounted for it being sold in stores.
Sorry to bump, but I have noticed that in the past, here in Arizona these machines were the most likely place you would find Pibb Xtra and Pibb Zero. However, it seems like in the past year or two, Dr. Pepper and Diet Dr. Pepper are now becoming the norm for these machines even in places that didn't have them previously such as local non-chain restaurants. Has anyone noticed this where they live?
Quote from: Pink Jazz on October 11, 2017, 07:24:04 PM
Sorry to bump, but I have noticed that in the past, here in Arizona these machines were the most likely place you would find Pibb Xtra and Pibb Zero. However, it seems like in the past year or two, Dr. Pepper and Diet Dr. Pepper are now becoming the norm for these machines even in places that didn't have them previously such as local non-chain restaurants. Has anyone noticed this where they live?
NP on the bump man. This is a legitimate reason to bump a thread!
And I wouldn't know to be honest. In my area, Coca-Cola has had the contract to make Dr. Pepper, and thus, every Freestyle machine has had it from day 1 of their install. Now, maybe if somebody in the Cleveland area could comment since Pepsi has the contract there, as I know I saw Pibb in a Freestyle up there when I stopped on a trip several years ago.
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on October 11, 2017, 09:22:01 PM
Quote from: Pink Jazz on October 11, 2017, 07:24:04 PM
Sorry to bump, but I have noticed that in the past, here in Arizona these machines were the most likely place you would find Pibb Xtra and Pibb Zero. However, it seems like in the past year or two, Dr. Pepper and Diet Dr. Pepper are now becoming the norm for these machines even in places that didn't have them previously such as local non-chain restaurants. Has anyone noticed this where they live?
NP on the bump man. This is a legitimate reason to bump a thread!
And I wouldn't know to be honest. In my area, Coca-Cola has had the contract to make Dr. Pepper, and thus, every Freestyle machine has had it from day 1 of their install. Now, maybe if somebody in the Cleveland area could comment since Pepsi has the contract there, as I know I saw Pibb in a Freestyle up there when I stopped on a trip several years ago.
Coke has our local bottling contract for Dr. Pepper here in the Phoenix area as well, however, you were still able to find Pibb in some Coke Freestyle machines (particularly at local non-chain restaurants), since the non-compete clause for Dr. Pepper doesn't cover fountain drinks. However, that is becoming rare now.
Quote from: Pink Jazz on October 11, 2017, 07:24:04 PM
Sorry to bump, but I have noticed that in the past, here in Arizona these machines were the most likely place you would find Pibb Xtra and Pibb Zero. However, it seems like in the past year or two, Dr. Pepper and Diet Dr. Pepper are now becoming the norm for these machines even in places that didn't have them previously such as local non-chain restaurants. Has anyone noticed this where they live?
The Five Guys near me use the Freestyle machines. They definitely had Pibb for a while (distributed through Coke usually) but lately I'm
pretty sure they've turned over to Dr Pepper (usually distributed through Pepsi).
The Circle K down the road from me has got a couple Freestyle machines installed.
Quote from: ColossalBlocks on October 11, 2017, 10:16:06 PM
The Circle K down the road from me has got a couple Freestyle machines installed.
I don't think I've seen one installed at a gas station before. Though the Extra Mile and 7-Eleven's do have some pretty sizable soda dispensers that could be replaced by a Freestyle.
Quote from: ColossalBlocks on October 11, 2017, 10:16:06 PM
The Circle K down the road from me has got a couple Freestyle machines installed.
Don't think we will get them at the Circle K stores here in the Phoenix area, since most of them have both Coke and Pepsi in their fountains, and their fountains also have some supplement shots to add to their fountain drinks - Energy, Alert, Defense, and Balance.
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on October 11, 2017, 09:22:01 PM
Now, maybe if somebody in the Cleveland area could comment since Pepsi has the contract there, as I know I saw Pibb in a Freestyle up there when I stopped on a trip several years ago.
I'm probably a little too far west to be considered the Cleveland area, so this probably won't be answering your question, but anyway, the freestyle machine at my local Wendy's has Dr. Pepper. I can't remember for exact sure if it had Dr. Pepper from the start, but I'd say there's a rally good chance that it did, since the local McDonald's has Dr. Pepper on its regular fountain machine.
The Huntsville-area Coke Freestyle machines I've encountered also dispense Dr. Pepper.
I don't like the freestyle machines. Old style machines allowed more than 1 person to get a drink .. freestyle is 1 person at a time and some people can't make up their mind.. so at busy times there is a wait.
Also no non-Coca-Cola made products
Z981
Quote from: jakeroot on October 11, 2017, 10:23:08 PM
Quote from: ColossalBlocks on October 11, 2017, 10:16:06 PM
The Circle K down the road from me has got a couple Freestyle machines installed.
I don't think I've seen one installed at a gas station before. Though the Extra Mile and 7-Eleven's do have some pretty sizable soda dispensers that could be replaced by a Freestyle.
The east coast Wawa, which is mostly a gas station store, exclusively uses the freestyle Coke machines.
Quote from: Buck87 on October 12, 2017, 02:46:03 PM
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on October 11, 2017, 09:22:01 PM
Now, maybe if somebody in the Cleveland area could comment since Pepsi has the contract there, as I know I saw Pibb in a Freestyle up there when I stopped on a trip several years ago.
I'm probably a little too far west to be considered the Cleveland area, so this probably won't be answering your question, but anyway, the freestyle machine at my local Wendy's has Dr. Pepper. I can't remember for exact sure if it had Dr. Pepper from the start, but I'd say there's a rally good chance that it did, since the local McDonald's has Dr. Pepper on its regular fountain machine.
Chain restaurants typically have a national agreement, so I think with Wendy's and McDonald's they will always have Dr Pepper regardless of whether or not Coke has the local contract.
Wendys, Zaxby's, Firehouse, and Atlanta Bread Company as far as I know almost all have the Freestyle.
Some Sheetz locations, including one my wife and I stop at regularly on the way back from my mother's house (she lives in Chapel Hill, but the one we stop at is in Mebane)
I am supposed to drink very little soda if at all, but these places often have fresh brewed tea. I mix Orange and Lemon-Lime Light Minute Maid lemonade into the tea. Yum.
Downside is that the Sheetz ones often run out of all lemonade at the most inopportune moments and there is no alternative besides soda or Snapple (and their peach tea sucks)
Coke Fresstyle is pretty big in our area. Moe's was the first one to get it about 3-4 years ago, then Firehouse, and later Wendy's. All of those places have exclusive Freestyle machines. Firehouse in downtown Charleston closed, but the others are doing very well.
Quote from: jwolfer on October 12, 2017, 03:24:33 PM
I don't like the freestyle machines. Old style machines allowed more than 1 person to get a drink .. freestyle is 1 person at a time and some people can't make up their mind.. so at busy times there is a wait.
....
Or they don't understand how it works. Couple of weeks ago I went to Popeye's for lunch and an older man simply couldn't figure out the Freestyle machine, and when people tried to help him it became clear he didn't speak English, so we all just had to wait.
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 17, 2017, 09:17:29 AM
Quote from: jwolfer on October 12, 2017, 03:24:33 PM
I don't like the freestyle machines. Old style machines allowed more than 1 person to get a drink .. freestyle is 1 person at a time and some people can't make up their mind.. so at busy times there is a wait.
....
Or they don't understand how it works. Couple of weeks ago I went to Popeye's for lunch and an older man simply couldn't figure out the Freestyle machine, and when people tried to help him it became clear he didn't speak English, so we all just had to wait.
You know, if I were in that man's situation, I'd just say "Coke" and let someone else pour the drink for me.
In my town Burger King and Noodles have it. I don't like how the drinks taste out of the Freestyle machines. I'm not sure if the syrups are different in a Freestyle machine compared to a standard 6 or 8-spout fountain or what.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on October 17, 2017, 01:32:53 PM
In my town Burger King and Noodles have it. I don't like how the drinks taste out of the Freestyle machines. I'm not sure if the syrups are different in a Freestyle machine compared to a standard 6 or 8-spout fountain or what.
I think the taste may have to do with every drink there using the same spout. Either it's the mixing of the flavors or it's how it cleans the spout after each pour.
Quote from: Brandon on October 17, 2017, 01:44:56 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on October 17, 2017, 01:32:53 PM
In my town Burger King and Noodles have it. I don't like how the drinks taste out of the Freestyle machines. I'm not sure if the syrups are different in a Freestyle machine compared to a standard 6 or 8-spout fountain or what.
I think the taste may have to do with every drink there using the same spout. Either it's the mixing of the flavors or it's how it cleans the spout after each pour.
On more than one occasion, I've gone to get water out of the Freestyle machines, only for the water to be diluted by one of the other nozzles that feed the main spout (so the water comes out red or brown). I end up getting a soda at that point because I don't want to drink water that has a slightly cherry or syrup-y flavor.
Quote from: jakeroot on October 17, 2017, 10:48:18 PM
Quote from: Brandon on October 17, 2017, 01:44:56 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on October 17, 2017, 01:32:53 PM
In my town Burger King and Noodles have it. I don’t like how the drinks taste out of the Freestyle machines. I’m not sure if the syrups are different in a Freestyle machine compared to a standard 6 or 8-spout fountain or what.
I think the taste may have to do with every drink there using the same spout. Either it's the mixing of the flavors or it's how it cleans the spout after each pour.
On more than one occasion, I've gone to get water out of the Freestyle machines, only for the water to be diluted by one of the other nozzles that feed the main spout (so the water comes out red or brown). I end up getting a soda at that point because I don't want to drink water that has a slightly cherry or syrup-y flavor.
Run a bit of water (or whatever drink you want) first for a little bit to get it cleaned out, and then get your drink. That's what I always do.
Quote from: freebrickproductions on October 17, 2017, 10:52:00 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on October 17, 2017, 10:48:18 PM
Quote from: Brandon on October 17, 2017, 01:44:56 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on October 17, 2017, 01:32:53 PM
In my town Burger King and Noodles have it. I don't like how the drinks taste out of the Freestyle machines. I'm not sure if the syrups are different in a Freestyle machine compared to a standard 6 or 8-spout fountain or what.
I think the taste may have to do with every drink there using the same spout. Either it's the mixing of the flavors or it's how it cleans the spout after each pour.
On more than one occasion, I've gone to get water out of the Freestyle machines, only for the water to be diluted by one of the other nozzles that feed the main spout (so the water comes out red or brown). I end up getting a soda at that point because I don't want to drink water that has a slightly cherry or syrup-y flavor.
Run a bit of water (or whatever drink you want) first for a little bit to get it cleaned out, and then get your drink. That's what I always do.
I've tried doing that before, but it's almost like one of the nuzzles has a leak, because it just constantly pours out off-color. I've filled entire large soda cups full of the off-color water before I noticed. Doesn't seem to make any difference.
Recently got a vanilla Barq's cream soda out of one. It looked like Sprite.
I used to love them because I used to love mixing several different kinds of pop (usually Diet Coke, root beer, orange soda, and Dr Pepper)
Now that I've had weight loss surgery and can no longer drink carbonated beverages, I like them because they include a nice selection of non-carbonated drinks.
I seen one in Sea world San Diego, but I didn't wanna spend $3.49 for a "small". I can get a $1 value cup at the nearby Jack in the Box. Coke zero with Lemon, raspberry, vanilla and reg. are pretty good tasting. It's a different formula from diet coke and I lost 13 pounds in one year as a result, no extra sugar and calories, and didn't make me regain any pounds.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 03, 2018, 04:39:32 PM
I used to love them because I used to love mixing several different kinds of pop (usually Diet Coke, root beer, orange soda, and Dr Pepper)
Now that I've had weight loss surgery and can no longer drink carbonated beverages, I like them because they include a nice selection of non-carbonated drinks.
My local Firehouse has one of those machines. They also separate dispensers for iced tea.
Quote from: US71 on May 03, 2018, 07:11:38 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 03, 2018, 04:39:32 PM
I used to love them because I used to love mixing several different kinds of pop (usually Diet Coke, root beer, orange soda, and Dr Pepper)
Now that I've had weight loss surgery and can no longer drink carbonated beverages, I like them because they include a nice selection of non-carbonated drinks.
My local Firehouse has one of those machines. They also separate dispensers for iced tea.
I think every restaurant that has one keeps the iced tea separate. I know my local Wendy's does.
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on May 03, 2018, 09:56:36 PM
Quote from: US71 on May 03, 2018, 07:11:38 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 03, 2018, 04:39:32 PM
I used to love them because I used to love mixing several different kinds of pop (usually Diet Coke, root beer, orange soda, and Dr Pepper)
Now that I've had weight loss surgery and can no longer drink carbonated beverages, I like them because they include a nice selection of non-carbonated drinks.
My local Firehouse has one of those machines. They also separate dispensers for iced tea.
I think every restaurant that has one keeps the iced tea separate. I know my local Wendy's does.
I'm in the Wendy's by my house all the time and I seem to think they do there as well.
A girl I work with claims the fact that all brands use the same lines. She finds it a little too much.
I've gotten to where when I use the machine, I will choose my drink, then let it run for a second or two before putting my cup there. I want whatever the previous person had to get washed through the line first. I'll even let the water run before choosing my drink, even though I'm pretty sure that's a separate line.
If I'm drinking Cherry Coke, I don't want to taste a hint of vanilla Mr. Pibb if possible, etc.
Quote from: BamaZeus on May 04, 2018, 11:12:38 AM
I've gotten to where when I use the machine, I will choose my drink, then let it run for a second or two before putting my cup there. I want whatever the previous person had to get washed through the line first. I'll even let the water run before choosing my drink, even though I'm pretty sure that's a separate line.
If I'm drinking Cherry Coke, I don't want to taste a hint of vanilla Mr. Pibb if possible, etc.
I do the same thing. I want Coke. Not Coke with random flavors. And I silently count to 8 to allow the suds to subside, but not reset to the main screen.
Yeah, I also let the thing run for a half or full second before putting my cup under. Bleed through is a serious issue with these machines, but I'm not sure what could be done to minimize the issue.
One of the gas stations by the MSP airport installed a Freestyle-type machine (obviously carrying both Coke and Pepsi products because it's a gas station). It's the only one of its kind I've ever seen. Has anyone seen Freestyle-type machines outside of chain restaurants?
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on May 05, 2018, 05:19:48 AM
One of the gas stations by the MSP airport installed a Freestyle-type machine (obviously carrying both Coke and Pepsi products because it's a gas station). It's the only one of its kind I've ever seen. Has anyone seen Freestyle-type machines outside of chain restaurants?
Yep, one of my local supermarket chains has them at a few of their stores.
I've only seen Freestyle machines in 3 places:
1- Select Wendy's locations
2- Select Five Guys locations
3- A remodeled Citgo station along the Berlin Turnpike (US 5/CT 15) in Berlin, CT.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on May 05, 2018, 05:19:48 AM
Has anyone seen Freestyle-type machines outside of chain restaurants?
I've seen them in non-chain restaurants and they've installed them at my company's cafeteria. I also know of at least two AMC movie theaters that have banks of them in the concession area.
I would think that sales of fountain drinks at gas stations are too high-volume for Freestyle machines. Plus QuikTrip has had a Freestyle-esque offering for years, where you can add cherry or vanilla flavoring to any fountain drink.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on May 05, 2018, 05:19:48 AM
One of the gas stations by the MSP airport installed a Freestyle-type machine (obviously carrying both Coke and Pepsi products because it's a gas station). It's the only one of its kind I've ever seen. Has anyone seen Freestyle-type machines outside of chain restaurants?
Is it one of these fountains?
http://newproducts-cornelius.com/idc-pro/
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 07, 2018, 09:13:03 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on May 05, 2018, 05:19:48 AM
Has anyone seen Freestyle-type machines outside of chain restaurants?
I've seen them in non-chain restaurants and they've installed them at my company's cafeteria.
Though not part of a "chain" per se, many workplace and institutional cafeterias are operated by large concessionaires–who might have an overriding contract with the Coca-Cola Company.
As for truly local, non-chain, independent restaurants, I have yet to personally see any that have Freestyle machines. But then again, self-service soda fountains are primarily the domain of franchised fast food and convenience stores.
I forget the details, but I remember hearing (or reading) a discussion of the economics of soda fountains, and my general takeaway was that the costs of having a soda fountain installed were surprisingly high and that it was an area where novice restauranteurs frequently signed unfavorable deals and got themselves into financial trouble–much as is with the case with credit card processing. The high costs associated with soda fountains were cited as the reason that many small businesses (and especially Chinese restaurants) sell only packaged beverages.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 07, 2018, 09:13:03 AM
I would think that sales of fountain drinks at gas stations are too high-volume for Freestyle machines.
The Wawa chain of gas stations/convenience stores has Freestyle machines in all locations–apparently the first large convenience store chain (http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/wawa-to-feature-coca-cola-freestyler-in-all-locations-by-may-2015-1974145.htm) to do so. But relative to most other convenience store chains, Wawa probably does a larger business with made-to-order drinks (smoothies, iced coffees, etc.), so that might lessen soda fountain traffic somewhat.
I was eager to try out a Freestyle machine when I first learned of them, but when I finally used one, I wasn't very impressed. Freestyle is advertised as offering an incredible number of variations, but it practice, it struck me as being very limited and "parts bin" in nature. There's Coke...or Coke with these six flavor shots. Then there's Sprite...or Sprite with these same six flavor shots. And so on. If someone at Coca-Cola had taken time to figure out that a certain counterintuitive concoction made for a surprisingly good drink, that would be a much better use of the Freestyle technology, in my opinion.
QuoteAs for truly local, non-chain, independent restaurants, I have yet to personally see any that have Freestyle machines. But then again, self-service soda fountains are primarily the domain of franchised fast food and convenience stores
Kelly's Roast Beef, a local restaurant that has multiple locations - but not large enough to be considered a 'chain' - recently installed three Freestyle machines at their Saugus location. Reminds me of the saying "If you provide enough choices, the average person is just going to be confused."
It has been a while now since I have seen Pibb in one of these machines locally. Almost every place I have been to recently have replaced it with Dr. Pepper, even the local restaurants. I know that Coke's non-compete clause with Dr. Pepper does not cover fountain drinks, however, it is interesting to see Pibb being replaced with Dr. Pepper at so many places locally.
Quote from: Pink Jazz on May 07, 2018, 04:58:45 PM
It has been a while now since I have seen Pibb in one of these machines locally. Almost every place I have been to recently have replaced it with Dr. Pepper, even the local restaurants. I know that Coke's non-compete clause with Dr. Pepper does not cover fountain drinks, however, it is interesting to see Pibb being replaced with Dr. Pepper at so many places locally.
Pibb is normally only in the machine if the local Pepsi distributor has the DP license and not Coca-Cola. So, if DP changes hands in a local area, that could explain why your machines changed.
It's so weird to think there are people who prefer Mr Pibb to Dr Pepper. Ditto people who prefer Mello Yello to Mountain Dew.
One of the local c-stores has a Pepsi-style machine, but there is less variety
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on May 07, 2018, 11:23:42 PM
Quote from: Pink Jazz on May 07, 2018, 04:58:45 PM
It has been a while now since I have seen Pibb in one of these machines locally. Almost every place I have been to recently have replaced it with Dr. Pepper, even the local restaurants. I know that Coke's non-compete clause with Dr. Pepper does not cover fountain drinks, however, it is interesting to see Pibb being replaced with Dr. Pepper at so many places locally.
Pibb is normally only in the machine if the local Pepsi distributor has the DP license and not Coca-Cola. So, if DP changes hands in a local area, that could explain why your machines changed.
That's the case in Tacoma, WA. Pepsi + DP is the standard configuration, although Coke machines with DP dispensers are far from uncommon, whereas I only see Pibb in Coke machines. Five Guys in my area all have Coke Freestyles with Pibb in them.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 08, 2018, 09:21:28 AM
It's so weird to think there are people who prefer Mr Pibb to Dr Pepper. Ditto people who prefer Mello Yello to Mountain Dew.
They have a slightly different taste. I personally prefer Pibb to DP, but Pibb is extra hard to find. So my default soda is usually DP. I rarely ask if a restaurant has Pibb.
I also prefer Pibb over DP. Five Guys & Chipotle in my area both have Pibb; otherwise it's pretty well scarce. Wendy's in the Dayton area used to have it until late 2013 or early 2014 when they switched over to Dr. Pepper.
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on May 07, 2018, 11:23:42 PM
Quote from: Pink Jazz on May 07, 2018, 04:58:45 PM
It has been a while now since I have seen Pibb in one of these machines locally. Almost every place I have been to recently have replaced it with Dr. Pepper, even the local restaurants. I know that Coke's non-compete clause with Dr. Pepper does not cover fountain drinks, however, it is interesting to see Pibb being replaced with Dr. Pepper at so many places locally.
Pibb is normally only in the machine if the local Pepsi distributor has the DP license and not Coca-Cola. So, if DP changes hands in a local area, that could explain why your machines changed.
I still see Dr. Pepper at both Coke and Pepsi restaurants, actually, that that doesn't only apply to chains.
Anyone see how ungodly expensive it is to have these?
Try AMC Theaters.
Quote from: briantroutman on May 07, 2018, 02:29:30 PM
The Wawa chain of gas stations/convenience stores has Freestyle machines in all locations–apparently the first large convenience store chain (http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/wawa-to-feature-coca-cola-freestyler-in-all-locations-by-may-2015-1974145.htm) to do so. But relative to most other convenience store chains, Wawa probably does a larger business with made-to-order drinks (smoothies, iced coffees, etc.), so that might lessen soda fountain traffic somewhat.
We love the Freestyles in Wawa. We first saw them in Five Guys and a few other places, but now that they're in Wawa that's our "goto" place when we're out and about and thirsty. I can't get enough of dumping some strawberry or other flavors in my Diet Dr. Pepper (defeating the purpose of no calorie "diet" in the process). Still waiting for them to bump up the cup size another notch (Put those 44 oz cups with the Big Gulps of the past - we have rest areas for later!) - car cup-holder clearance permitting.
I do love Wendy's with their Dave's Cherry Cream Soda. I can get it in the Freestyle machines but when I ask for it in most drive-thrus, they come back with "we don't carry it."
Quote from: seicer on May 12, 2018, 12:48:44 PM
I do love Wendy's with their Dave's Cherry Cream Soda. I can get it in the Freestyle machines but when I ask for it in most drive-thrus, they come back with "we don't carry it."
I know my local Wendy's will get you a Freesytle flavor if you want it. Seen them several times come over to the 2 machines there to fill up cups.
Quote from: Roadrunner75 on May 12, 2018, 11:58:57 AM
I can't get enough of dumping some strawberry or other flavors in my Diet Dr. Pepper (defeating the purpose of no calorie "diet" in the process).
@ my local Wendy's there's now a default Dr. Pepper Strawberry flavor option.
Hmm. The fast food restaurants that I've seen with Freestyle machines have another Freestyle machine for the employees. Usually silver or black. The BKs around here specifically advertise the machines with signs placed along the drive thru.
Quote from: jakeroot on May 13, 2018, 02:45:21 AM
Hmm. The fast food restaurants that I've seen with Freestyle machines have another Freestyle machine for the employees. Usually silver or black. The BKs around here specifically advertise the machines with signs placed along the drive thru.
Well, I'm guessing they only wanted 2 @ mine, and keep them in the area for customers. They do have an 'old-style' machine at the drive-thru window for the 'basic' drinks as a fall back.
The Wendy's I frequently use in Jackson, Ky., has a Freestyle machine at the drive-through. However, I am not a fan of flavored drinks such as those you can concoct in a Freestyle machine.
I've seen the freestyle machine in a nearby Fuddruckers.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on May 05, 2018, 05:19:48 AM
One of the gas stations by the MSP airport installed a Freestyle-type machine (obviously carrying both Coke and Pepsi products because it's a gas station). It's the only one of its kind I've ever seen. Has anyone seen Freestyle-type machines outside of chain restaurants?
One of the dining halls at VT received a Freestyle machine in its grab-n-go section (don't remember when). The rest remain standard pedal dispensers (with frustratingly inconsistent drink options).
I don't eat fast food all that often, so I don't frequently come into contact with these things, however, it can be quite frustrating when waiting for a drink behind people who can't figure out how to use the darn thing.
Quote from: Thing 342 on May 13, 2018, 09:52:51 PM
however, it can be quite frustrating when waiting for a drink behind people who can't figure out how to use the darn thing.
I've had to teach several elderly people myself how to use it @ my local Wendy's. lol.
I kind of hate dealing with these because they often have really badly calibrated touchscreens, so I have to hit the buttons that I want 2 or 3 times to get them to register.
As with a lot of things touchscreen, yes, we get it, touchscreens are neat and cool–now can you spend the money to put a decent one in, or can we get some physical buttons that actually work the way they're supposed to?
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 14, 2018, 04:58:49 AM
I kind of hate dealing with these because they often have really badly calibrated touchscreens, so I have to hit the buttons that I want 2 or 3 times to get them to register.
As with a lot of things touchscreen, yes, we get it, touchscreens are neat and cool–now can you spend the money to put a decent one in, or can we get some physical buttons that actually work the way they're supposed to?
Heh. I agree with this: The concept behind freestyle machines is solid, but it does seem the touchscreens either wear out quickly or have poor detection to begin with.
Is this the 'granddaddy' of the Freestyled Machine ??
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.collectspace.com%2Freview%2Fcocacola_spacedispenser01.jpg&hash=35c9d356d2f8cf63df75fd91204f05c3734cd0df)
At a PDQ last week, they had the Freestyle machines and I wanted something with orange. The orange squirter was out of adjustment, and got more on my hands and shoes than in the cup.
That stuff can stain too!
The Pepsi "freestyle" machines are much more compact and have a far better touch screen panel - at least from the two I've used in the wild. I'm not sure those have ever taken off.
Quote from: seicer on May 14, 2018, 08:55:30 AM
The Pepsi "freestyle" machines are much more compact and have a far better touch screen panel - at least from the two I've used in the wild. I'm not sure those have ever taken off.
I haven't seen any in the wild myself, but I have seen another variation at Burger King with two dispensers. Lots of customization, but faster since two can use at once. No idea who makes it, but it has the classic Coke + DP combo that all BKs have in my area.
Quote from: jakeroot on May 14, 2018, 12:54:30 PM
Quote from: seicer on May 14, 2018, 08:55:30 AM
The Pepsi "freestyle" machines are much more compact and have a far better touch screen panel - at least from the two I've used in the wild. I'm not sure those have ever taken off.
I haven't seen any in the wild myself, but I have seen another variation at Burger King with two dispensers. Lots of customization, but faster since two can use at once. No idea who makes it, but it has the classic Coke + DP combo that all BKs have in my area.
It is probably one of these:
http://newproducts-cornelius.com/idc-pro/
I have seen one of these at one BK location, although most BKs use the standard Freestyle fountains.
Quote from: Pink Jazz on May 14, 2018, 01:29:04 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 14, 2018, 12:54:30 PM
Quote from: seicer on May 14, 2018, 08:55:30 AM
The Pepsi "freestyle" machines are much more compact and have a far better touch screen panel - at least from the two I've used in the wild. I'm not sure those have ever taken off.
I haven't seen any in the wild myself, but I have seen another variation at Burger King with two dispensers. Lots of customization, but faster since two can use at once. No idea who makes it, but it has the classic Coke + DP combo that all BKs have in my area.
It is probably one of these:
http://newproducts-cornelius.com/idc-pro/
I have seen one of these at one BK location, although most BKs use the standard Freestyle fountains.
Yep, that's it. It was slightly glitchy the first time I used it, but was much better on following visits.
Yes, thank you!
Note that Coke does have a compact version of the Freestyle, the Freestyle 7000:
https://www.cokesolutions.com/equipment/coca-cola-freestyle
In my town, there is a Freestyle at Fazoli's, Zaxby's, Wendy's, and Qdoba.
Speaking of Burger King, I wonder when is their contract with Coke supposed to expire? The last time I recall the contract was renewed was in 1999. It must have been a long-term contract.
^^ Reminds me of when BK hd Pepsi in the 1980s: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKytVr5f-sQ
Any restaurant that changes over from Coke to Pepsi around here experiences a major loss of business.
Quote from: cjk374 on May 15, 2018, 06:47:12 AM
Any restaurant that changes over from Coke to Pepsi around here experiences a major loss of business.
I know Subway has been switching to Pepsi in most countries outside the United States in recent years, and once their contract with Coke in the U.S. comes up for renewal I except them to switch.
Meanwhile, Arby's has just switched from Pepsi to Coke.
Quote from: Pink Jazz on May 15, 2018, 02:20:12 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on May 15, 2018, 06:47:12 AM
Any restaurant that changes over from Coke to Pepsi around here experiences a major loss of business.
I know Subway has been switching to Pepsi in most countries outside the United States in recent years, and once their contract with Coke in the U.S. comes up for renewal I except them to switch.
And they also said they're closing 500 stores within the US. So that matches up with every other dumb-ass move they've made.
I don't know if I'd called moving from Coke to Pepsi a "dumb-ass" move. For every person that I meet who likes Coke, I meet another person who likes Pepsi. It's not like everybody prefers Coke.
Now, it could be more of a regional thing then I realize. I've heard that, in the South, pop is referred to as just Coke. That's a bit strange, and may lend itself to a preference.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 14, 2018, 08:19:30 AM
orange ... can stain too!
No kidding! You reminded me of a camping trip a few years ago, where my friend's son ended up covered in orange soda and dirt. Those clothes went right into the trash can.
By the way... Whodathunk we'd make it to Reply #166 in a thread about soda machines?
Quote from: SSOWorld on May 12, 2018, 11:43:19 AM
Anyone see how ungodly expensive it is to have these?
No, but I don't own a restaurant or gas station or movie theater, so...
I have noticed that the Freestyle (and similar) machines don't have the gas-in-the-line issues like standard soda machines. I assume this is related to the air-mix nozzle just being of a different design than a typical soda machine. This is nice, especially with larger drinks.
I do like the machines, and the broad array of flavors they provide. Issue with the flavor selection...why? Who would want Coke and lime together?
Another thing I wish you could do is mix drinks to make really dumb soda combinations. It wouldn't even be that hard too...redirect the nozzle into a reservoir, store the soda, then (if you want to mix another drink) prompt the user to switch to another drink, dispense more soda, and then dispense their mixture. If you don't want to mix drinks, then you can just immediately pour whatever soda you want.
Obviously someone wants Diet Coke and lime, or they wouldn't be offering it!
^^ And Diet Coke is available outside the freestyle machines: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diet_Coke_Lime
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 17, 2018, 10:12:39 PM
Obviously someone wants Diet Coke and lime, or they wouldn't be offering it!
It's
barely distinguishable from regular diet coke. And it's certainly not worse-tasting.
Quote from: kphoger on May 15, 2018, 04:07:37 PM
By the way... Whodathunk we'd make it to Reply #166 in a thread about soda machines?
Whoever thunk it probably also thunk we'd make it to Reply #652 in a thread about DST... :pan:
Quote from: webny99 on May 17, 2018, 10:46:37 PM
Whoever thunk it probably also thunk we'd make it to Reply #652 in a thread about DST... :pan:
Yeah, but we do that twice a year.
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 18, 2018, 01:57:58 AM
Quote from: webny99 on May 17, 2018, 10:46:37 PM
Whoever thunk it probably also thunk we'd make it to Reply #652 in a thread about DST... :pan:
Yeah, but we do that twice a year.
Only once this year... I won't forget come fall ;-)
Quote from: noelbotevera on May 17, 2018, 05:28:42 PM
Who would want Coke and lime together?
I like a lime wedge with my Coke. Pretty darned common in Mexican restaurants, actually.
Quote from: noelbotevera on May 17, 2018, 05:28:42 PM
Another thing I wish you could do is mix drinks to make really dumb soda combinations.
You can. Select one soda, pour partway up the cup. Select another soda, fill the rest of the way up. No different than a standard soda machine. I do this this all the time at Freestyle machines, mixing different flavors of Fanta together.
I used to hear of people mixing their own Ale-8 by combining a cola product with a lemon-lime product. I tried it a few times and it sure didn't taste like Ale-8 to me.
Lots of drugstore soda fountains popularized cherry Coke, although it's something I never cared for. Restaurants that serve fountain Ale-8 did the same thing, and it caught the eye of the Ale-8 bottlers. Now they're selling a Cherry Ale-8. My wife brought me a six-pack. To me, it tastes like maraschino cherry juice. I've never been a big fan of the flavored soft drinks, and I won't be drinking a lot of the Cherry Ale-8 since they don't make it in a diet version, but it wasn't bad.
So far, the jury seems to be still out regarding overall opinion of it. Some love it; others think it tastes like cherry-flavored cough syrup.
The few times I've had it, the taste of Ale-8 always reminded me of the way Vick's Vapo Rub smells.
Not as fancy as a Freestyle, but just to share, I was at Arby's today and they had a Coke fountain (made by Cornelius) with backlit valves. This is different from the Taco Bell fountains where the buttons are backlit with shared valves, but this fountain had individual valves that were backlit.
Ran into an AMPM this afternoon in Bremerton, WA with one of those alternative Cornelius IDC mixing machines. First one I've seen outside of a BK (and only the second (and third) ever).
(https://i.imgur.com/lRZDXVJ.jpg)
Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2018, 01:59:02 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on May 17, 2018, 05:28:42 PM
Who would want Coke and lime together?
I like a lime wedge with my Coke. Pretty darned common in Mexican restaurants, actually.
I prefer lemon, but yeah. A rum and Coke with a lime wedge is a Cuba Libre.
Quote from: hbelkins on May 18, 2018, 07:07:01 PM
I used to hear of people mixing their own Ale-8 by combining a cola product with a lemon-lime product. I tried it a few times and it sure didn't taste like Ale-8 to me.
Supposedly Sprite with a splash of Coke tastes enough like ginger ale that that's what bartenders do when someone orders a drink with ginger ale and they don't have any.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 20, 2018, 09:32:05 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2018, 01:59:02 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on May 17, 2018, 05:28:42 PM
Who would want Coke and lime together?
I like a lime wedge with my Coke. Pretty darned common in Mexican restaurants, actually.
I prefer lemon, but yeah. A rum and Coke with a lime wedge is a Cuba Libre.
People seem to forget that Coca-Cola used to sell both lemon-flavored Coke and lime-flavored Coke for a time, as well. Not sure if they still do or not.
Also, Cuba Libres are one of my favorite drinks.
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on May 20, 2018, 11:07:49 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 20, 2018, 09:32:05 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2018, 01:59:02 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on May 17, 2018, 05:28:42 PM
Who would want Coke and lime together?
I like a lime wedge with my Coke. Pretty darned common in Mexican restaurants, actually.
I prefer lemon, but yeah. A rum and Coke with a lime wedge is a Cuba Libre.
People seem to forget that Coca-Cola used to sell both lemon-flavored Coke and lime-flavored Coke for a time, as well. Not sure if they still do or not.
Also, Cuba Libres are one of my favorite drinks.
Haven't seen them in a while. They tasted too chemical to me. Nothing matches the taste of a fresh lemon or lime.
Quote from: jakeroot on May 19, 2018, 06:19:57 PM
Ran into an AMPM this afternoon in Bremerton, WA with one of those alternative Cornelius IDC mixing machines. First one I've seen outside of a BK (and only the second (and third) ever).
(https://i.imgur.com/lRZDXVJ.jpg)
I saw my first one of those in Texas this past weekend.It had Coke and Pepsi products, but a limited variety of each (Mountain Dew, but no Diet Dew, no Diet Pepsi)
Quote from: Pink Jazz on May 15, 2018, 02:20:12 PM
I know Subway has been switching to Pepsi in most countries outside the United States in recent years, and once their contract with Coke in the U.S. comes up for renewal I except them to switch.
I'm in Montreal at the moment. Since I really don't like eating at full-service restaurants alone, dinner tonight involved my popping into the Subway between the office and the hotel.
This was the first time I had tried Subway north of the border. After I got over my brief discombobulation of the double-whammy from the menu being in French and various differences in what they offer (I wish I had noticed the paninis before I started my order), I was re-discombobulated not only by their offering Pepsi, but also because they had the little Pepsi mini-Freestyle machine.
Back south of the border, more restaurants in CT with Freestyles:
Noodles & co. (noted elsewhere in the thread)
Qdoba
Burger Fi
(I did my first Quebecois Five Guys a few days ago, since the schwarma place I was aiming for was closed and it was convenient. I was surprised enough by the all English-speaking crew that I forgot which side of the border I was on, and just barely caught myself before I tried to pay with a Discover card. They did not, however, have a Freestyle machine, or Cajun seasoning for fries. They did, unsurprisingly, have poutine.)
To my surprise, our local Subway just got one of the mini Coke Freestyle machines. I assumed that their U.S. contract with Coke was coming up for renewal very soon, and considering that in many countries outside the United States they have been switching to Pepsi, this is a surprise.
Sorry to bump an old thread, but it appears here in the Phoenix area many of the newer Burger Kings have opted out of the Coke Freestyle and have chosen to go with the touchscreen Cornelius soda fountains with the flavor shots. I wonder for what reason.
Quote from: Pink Jazz on March 12, 2021, 12:37:29 PM
Sorry to bump an old thread, but it appears here in the Phoenix area many of the newer Burger Kings have opted out of the Coke Freestyle and have chosen to go with the touchscreen Cornelius soda fountains with the flavor shots. I wonder for what reason.
This (https://goo.gl/maps/t7AjkZXdhgDgjERn6) Burger King in Fife, WA opened in early 2018 with one of those Cornelius touchscreen soda fountains. I think it was the first one I ever used. I cannot recall seeing them at any other Burger Kings.
Quote from: Pink Jazz on March 12, 2021, 12:37:29 PM
Sorry to bump an old thread, but it appears here in the Phoenix area many of the newer Burger Kings have opted out of the Coke Freestyle and have chosen to go with the touchscreen Cornelius soda fountains with the flavor shots. I wonder for what reason.
The Burger King near my on US-19 in Palm Harbor has switched out as well. As to why, perhaps it's to reduce inventory clutter and to help ensure stock is on hand. With the Freestyle machines, if I remember right, each separate drink and every flavor needs its own concentrate pack. With the Cornelius model, it would be down to just the expected soda brands (Coke, Sprite, not Fuze) and just three flavors instead.
I hate them.
If someone gets a Barq's then you get a Coca Cola the Coca Cola is nasty.
SM-G950U
Quote from: ibthebigd on March 21, 2021, 09:56:47 AM
I hate them.
If someone gets a Barq's then you get a Coca Cola the Coca Cola is nasty.
SM-G950U
Then if you have direct access to the machine (which isn't always possible right now due to C19), just run some water first before selecting your drink. I always did.
Quote from: ibthebigd on March 21, 2021, 09:56:47 AM
I hate them.
If someone gets a Barq's then you get a Coca Cola the Coca Cola is nasty.
SM-G950U
Lately, at the one place I can access the machines directly (Five Guys) they are spritzing water at the end of a cycle, to wash it out. Maybe what you draw is a little more concentrated to make up for the extra water at the end. Modern technology!