Tulsa Restaurant Tests High-Tech Coke Machine

Joshua Brakhage, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Filling up at Mazzio's just got a lot more fun.

"It just doesn't have that nozzle. You have to push a button instead," one customer said.

It's Coca-Cola's Freestyle machine, the high-tech soda fountain that takes options to the extremes.

"Instead of 12 selections, we have over 100, so it's a big deal," Shawna Adams, Mazzio's Assistant Manager, said.

Root beer and Sprite are both on one touch screen. There's five flavors of lemonade and a dozen energy drinks.

"It's kinda fun," Mary Lee Ingram said.

Customers keep discovering new features, like push button controls a little lower for small children or people in wheelchairs. The Freestyle is more convenient for workers, too.

"It uses cartridges instead of the bag in the box syrups that we're used to. "No 50 pound boxes to lug around," Adams said, laughing. "Works for me."

During dinner, most folks opted for the old standbys like Dr. Pepper, and Coke Classic.

Others worked up a thirst just trying to figure the machine out.

"Well, I think it seems to offer more options and for those of us who aren't technologically challenged, it's probably gonna be great. But I think its kinda fun," Ingram said.

It's lights, cola, action as beverages become cutting edge.

News On 6 was at the Mazzio's at 51st and Union, but the first Freestyle went in at their Claremore location.

Next month, the soda machines come to restaurants in Broken Arrow, Norman, and Oklahoma City.

The machine offers flavors Coke doesn't even bottle, like Raspberry Coca-Cola, Sprite with Grape, and MinuteMaid Orange Lemonade.