When Blazing Onion Burger Company opens this summer at Alderwood Mall, it will sport some of the newest technology in the restaurant industry.

The popular locally-based gourmet burger chain is building a new location at the former Ruby’s Diner, which recently closed due to financial reasons.

Owner David Jones filled me in on some the new features at the Alderwood location.

Coca-Cola Freestyle

Described as “the next generation fountain beverage dispenser,” Coca-Cola Freestyle offers more than 100 flavors that are constantly updated from the Internet. It’s a self-serve foundation that features a touch-screen interface. There’s also an app for smart phones that allows customers to create and save their favorite soda recipes.

Self-serve kiosks for takeout orders

David says his Blazing Onion restaurants are usually very busy on weekends, which means customers who want take-out orders have to wait behind diners waiting in the lobby. That will be a thing of the past at the Lynnwood location.

Customers can place their orders at self-serve kiosks and then enter their cell phone number. Their phone acts as a pager so they can browse their mall while their food is cooking. The kiosks also memorize your order so you can get the same thing on your next visit.

Service buttons

The current Blazing Onion locations have service order signs so your server knows when you need help. At the Alderwood Mall location, it will be all computerized. Just push a button and dozens of servers will be notified that help is needed at your table.

3-D televisions

This is perhaps the most exciting feature at the new restaurant, especially for sports fans. David plans to install six 65-inch 3-D televisions in the bar area. He says he’s been holding out for them ever since Vizio announced they would go on sale. He’s hoping they’ll be ready in time for the grand opening.

The bar will also have a 16-foot sliding wall that can be opened when the weather is nice. The patio area will have an outdoor fire pit.

David says his new Blazing Onion will probably open in the early summer, most likely in June. They’ve already completely gutted the former Ruby’s space. They are currently hiring managers and will place ads for the other employees around April.

David and his wife Lorri opened their first Blazing Onion at Mill Creek Town Center in 2007. Since then they’ve opened two more – in Snohomish and Gig Harbor. Their menu features a vast array of traditional and gourmet burgers, including the Mediterranean Lamb Burger, the Kung Fu “POW” Teriyaki Burger, the South St. Philly Burger and the Mushroom Burger Melt, among many others.

Check back here for updates on how the construction is going.

The was some speculation that Blazing Onion would open at the former McGrath’s space. We’re still waiting for word on what will become of that spot.