Austin-based Schlotzsky's will be the first restaurant in Austin, Texas, to offer the Coca-Cola Freestyle fountain. Schlotzsky’s initially plans to feature the Freestyle in two of its Austin locations this fall. Additional Coca-Cola Freestyle units will be installed in select Double Dave’s locations in the area.
The new fountains are touchscreen operated, enabling consumers to select from more than 100 regular and low-calorie branded beverages. The self-serve fountains have been in development for more than four years.
“We have created a concept that is quickly becoming recognized as the soda fountain of the future – the way people will experience Coca-Cola beverages years from now,” said Gene Farrell, vice president, Coca-Cola Freestyle, Coca-Cola North America.
Results from beta testing that concluded at the end of 2009 indicated an increase in total restaurant sales – including fountain servings – as well as a measurable lift in traffic.
The launch has expanded to include more than 100 restaurants in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Salt Lake City and Southern California, and the company plans future introductions in other cities as early as the fall.
“Austin is our hometown, so naturally we are thrilled that The Coca-Cola Company chose Schlotzsky’s as the first Austin area partner to unveil the Coca-Cola Freestyle,” said Schlotzsky’s president Kelly Roddy. “The Freestyle is a great addition and will enhance Schlotzsky’s new ‘Lotz Better’ experience. We are excited to give our guests the opportunity to interact first-hand with the ground-breaking machine.”
In addition to Austin, the Coca-Cola Freestyle is also featured in select Atlanta and Dallas area Schlotzsky’s locations.
