A soda fountain was a common feature in American cities in the early 20th century, usually incorporated as part of a drug store, but sometimes included in another business such as an ice cream parlor, dime store, department store, or train station. These were quick-service restaurants where a "soda jerk" served carbonated beverages by mixing syrups with unflavored carbonated water, as well as ice cream and, sometimes, light meals and sandwiches.
The term "soda fountain" is also now used for automated
soft drink
dispensers, which mix tanks of pre-mixed syrup concentrates and carbon dioxide with water to produce soft drinks as needed. In some parts of Europe, "fountain" is used only for a hand-held soda dispenser used behind a bar, while "soda machine" is used for the self-service dispenser.