The first Coca-Cola interactive fountain dispenser is arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL).
“We are excited to be the first airport to offer Coca-Cola Freestyle® to our almost 250,000 daily passengers,” says Arnaldo Ruiz, assistant aviation general manager of commercial development. “Coca-Cola Freestyle® is a perfect fit at the world’s busiest airport as we aim to bring our customers choices that offer a sense of place and exceed their expectations.”
HMSHost Corp. will feature the machines in five of its restaurants at ATL, including Famous Famiglia, Sbarro Pizza and Cinnabon on Concourse D30; next month, they will debut at select HMSHost-operated Chick-fil-A and Cinnabon locations on Concourse A11.
The machines are operated by touch screen and allow travelers to choose from 106 regular and low-calorie branded drinks, including waters, juices and sparkling beverages; the machines use the same footprint as a standard eight-valve machine. The self-serve fountain dispensers, unlike anything The Coca-Cola Co. has previously offered, have been in the works 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,” says Gene Farrell, vice president of Coca-Cola Freestyle®, Coca-Cola North America. “What better way to share this innovative new experience with people from all over the globe than to do so here in Atlanta, with our long-standing partners, at the busiest international airport in the world?”
Beta testing last year indicated an increase in total restaurant sales, including fountain servings, and a measurable lift in traffic.
“We are thrilled to be able to partner with The Coca-Cola Co. to be the first to bring this world-class experience to a world-class airport,” says Tim Slaney, general manager of HMSHost at ATL. “Our goal is to make the traveler’s day better. Bringing Coca-Cola Freestyle® to our restaurant customers at Hartsfield-Jackson seemed the perfect way to deliver on that proposition.”
Also in ATL…
Minute Suites Marks 1 Year At ATL
Minute Suites celebrated its one-year anniversary at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) on Nov. 18.
The ATL location, the company’s first, has grown an average of 9% per month since it’s launch. Minute Suites® offers private suites, each equipped with a daybed sofa, pillows and blanket, DirecTV on a 32-inch LED television that converts to a computer with high-speed Internet, a workstation and sound-masking system which neutralizes noise to offer guests a quiet place to nap, relax or work.
As part of the celebration, Minute Suites also gave a sneak preview of its new line of Gift of Sleep products and suite enhancements to its newest location.
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