Coke tests new dispenser in Atlanta

Coca-Cola Co. has put its Freestyle beverage dispensers in more than a dozen metro Atlanta restaurants as part of a field test for what’s been called the “fountain of the future.”

Freestyle uses an interactive touch-screen and micro-dosing technology to provide more than 100 beverages in the same space as a standard eight-valve fountain machine. It allows for a range of flavors, such as Raspberry Coke, Strawberry Sprite, Peach Fanta and Cherry Coke Zero.

Coca-Cola is testing the machine in Southern California and metro Atlanta. It expects to install Freestyle machines in 25 metro Atlanta food-service outlets by the end of September, said company spokesman Ray Crockett.

Select locations for Subway, Firehouse Subs, Willy’s, Wendy’s, Popeyes and Burger King already have the machines.

A Facebook page for the machines has drawn 1,500 fans. For a list of locations, visit here and click on the "Locations" tab.