Swig Franchise Growth Fueled by Multi-Unit Expansion

Dirty Soda Franchise Brand Expands Across Florida and Colorado

The dirty soda craze continues to gain momentum across the U.S., and Swig is quickly becoming one of the biggest names leading the category’s nationwide expansion. With new multi-unit franchise agreements signed in Florida and Colorado, the fast-growing beverage franchise is strengthening its footprint while capitalizing on rising consumer demand for customized soda drinks and drive-thru beverage concepts.

Swig recently secured a 25-unit development agreement in Southern Florida along with a separate 10-unit deal in Colorado Springs. These latest signings add to the company’s aggressive expansion strategy and reinforce the increasing demand for scalable beverage franchise opportunities.

The brand, backed by Savory Fund and The Larry H. Miller Company, has experienced rapid growth since launching franchising in 2022. Swig closed last year with 141 locations after adding 43 net new stores. That followed previous yearly gains of 36 units in 2024 and 17 units in 2023, showing strong year-over-year momentum across multiple markets.

Swig’s financial performance has also continued trending upward. According to company-reported figures, franchise locations open at least one year generated an average unit volume of more than $1.4 million in 2025. That represented a 16.7% increase over the prior year’s average sales volume of approximately $1.2 million.

Today, Swig operates 158 locations across 16 states, with much of its growth fueled by experienced multi-unit franchise operators entering the system.

Experienced Franchise Operators Drive Expansion

Swig’s leadership team is focusing heavily on franchisees with proven operational backgrounds and multi-unit experience. The company believes experienced operators can help scale the brand faster while maintaining consistent customer experiences across locations.

One of the newest development groups includes brothers James Laskaris and Spiro Laskaris alongside business partner Stephen Attard. The trio brings extensive franchise experience through ownership of 80 Dunkin’ locations, 11 Baskin-Robbins stores and additional Jimmy John’s and Zaxby’s restaurants. Their first Swig location in Florida is expected to open later this year.

In Colorado, father-and-son team Alex and Alan Knox signed a 10-unit agreement that will introduce the dirty soda brand to Colorado Springs for the first time.

Swig President Todd Smith says the company remains highly selective when awarding franchise territories despite growing interest in the category.

The brand places significant emphasis on operational excellence, customer service standards and cultural alignment. Internally, Swig refers to its franchise operators as “daymakers,” reflecting the company’s focus on creating positive customer interactions and energetic guest experiences.

Beyond operational metrics, the company evaluates franchisees based on leadership style, customer-first mindset and their ability to build strong local teams.

Multi-Unit Deals Help Swig Build Market Density

Swig’s expansion strategy centers heavily around large territory agreements that can establish meaningful brand presence in emerging markets. Leadership believes multi-unit development deals allow the company to build regional awareness faster while creating operational efficiencies.

The company has actively targeted agreements ranging from 15 to 25 units whenever possible, particularly in high-growth states where the brand still has limited market penetration.

That strategy is helping Swig enter new territories while balancing development speed and long-term scalability.

To support this rapid growth, the company expanded its franchise sales, real estate and franchise support departments over the past year. Swig also strengthened its executive leadership team, promoting Todd Smith to president after previously serving as chief consumer officer.

Additionally, the company added former Dave’s Hot Chicken executive Shannon Swenson as chief of franchise partnerships to support ongoing franchise recruitment and system development.

Social Media Buzz Continues Fueling Dirty Soda Growth

Dirty soda has become one of the fastest-growing beverage trends in recent years, driven heavily by TikTok, Instagram and viral social media content. Swig continues benefiting from that visibility as consumers increasingly seek customizable drink experiences and unique beverage combinations.

According to company leadership, organic social engagement has played a major role in driving customer excitement and long lines during grand openings.

Celebrity mentions, influencer content and user-generated posts have all contributed to expanding Swig’s national awareness, even in markets where stores have not yet opened.

This growing visibility has helped increase franchise inquiries while accelerating consumer curiosity around the category.

Swig Sees Long-Term Opportunity Beyond Beverage Trends

As more restaurant and beverage brands attempt to enter the dirty soda category, questions continue to surface about whether the segment represents a temporary trend or a sustainable long-term business model.

Swig leadership believes the opportunity extends far beyond a short-lived fad.

The company points to the massive size and stability of the broader soda industry, noting that consumer demand for carbonated beverages already exists at scale. Rather than introducing a completely new product category, Swig focuses on enhancing familiar beverages with custom flavors, creams, syrups and specialty combinations.

Executives also compare the brand’s current growth trajectory to the early expansion years of Starbucks, which transformed coffee from a routine beverage into a highly personalized customer experience.

Swig believes its combination of product customization, drive-thru convenience, strong branding and energetic customer experience positions the company for sustained long-term growth as the dirty soda category continues evolving.

Discover the Swig franchise opportunities.