They're keeping pretty quiet about the finances of the project. I couldn't even find any bragging in the recent report to investors.
My guess is the first several hundred produced will be sold only to The Coca-Cola Company. Maybe later it'll hit the open market for the price of a small new car.
"ATTENTION: Customers browsing porn must hold magazines with both hands at all times!"
A: He declined to say, only stating that it cost “hundreds of millions” of dollars to develop. Various clients such as Jack in the Box, El Pollo Loco, Subway and Carl’s Jr. are partnering with Coca-Cola to test the product to ensure it is profitable for both companies. In beta-testing in restaurants in Atlanta, Freestyle has triggered beverage sales to increase by double-digits, Farrell said.
Link
I don't know if I would make a special trip from home to somewhere that had it. But for going out to lunch from work, I would definitely go somewhere more often that had this. I love going to places where you can pour your own soda, and enjoy mixing my own just on the basic stuff (Sprite + Diet Dr. Pepper = win; 1/4 root beer + Diet coke = win).
Although, now that I think about it. This product will kill my ability to do that. But it will give me more varieties from which to choose, which is a win especially when I don't want caffeine.
TheCatt wrote:This product will kill my ability to do that.
I was wondering about that, too, but I noticed in the video that a couple of shots showed a nearly full glass being topped off with a blast. It may be that that big button above the cup controls dispensing, and you could choose to partially fill your cup, change settings, and finish off with something else.
Although if they're really smart, they'll set it up to allow mixing to be selected. Lots of us do it (1/2 DP + 1/3 Coke + 1/6 Sprite/7-Up/MtnDew/Other for me).
"ATTENTION: Customers browsing porn must hold magazines with both hands at all times!"
I love that combo too. What's weird is the looks I get from people when I do it, or the comments from people who know me. It's SO MUCH better than the stock flavors.
The interview I linked hinted at the ability to do it. I've always wanted consistent diet chocolate/vanilla coke access. With/without caffeine depending on my mood. I still don't understand the lack of a chocolate flavored soda option.
TheCatt wrote:I still don't understand the lack of a chocolate flavored soda option.
That's one Oprah endorsement away from being worth millions.
Diogenes of Sinope: "It is not that I am mad, it is only that my head is different from yours."
Arnold Judas Rimmer, BSC, SSC: "Better dead than smeg."
Not a lot of Sonic in my neck of the woods. There was some other chain in the midwest that had chocolate sodas. I remember getting a chocolate caffeine free diet coke. mmmmmm
Hmm... so apparently the Coke Center/Hq right next to my Gf's work has these... but...
I don't drink soda... ever.... not by choice, it's that carbonation has some bizarre reaction in my mouth and is actually painful. Not a huge fan of beer, either.
According to the interwebs: a) all people feel pain from carbonated beverages, most just learn to like it and b) Guinness beer is least likely to cause the mouth pain.
TheCatt wrote:According to the interwebs: a) all people feel pain from carbonated beverages, most just learn to like it
It only doesn't hurt if you aren't a pussy. Pretty much.
But I have a weird mouth thing going on when I first take a bite at a meal time, so I hear ya. Like every nerve in my mouth screams for about 4 seconds.
"Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid."
