By 1886, Atlanta had five soda fountains operating during the summer months, and the principals of Pemberton Chemical wanted a beverage they could sell by the glass. At 75 cents or $1 a bottle, even the most popular patent medicines had a limited market and tended to appeal to those who were sick or thought they were. But almost everyone could afford a nickel for a soft drink, and the potential clientele included anyone who got thirsty
