The Soda Shop

Swig operates as a drive-thru beverage chain that has carved out a niche in the customizable drink market, centered on its signature "Dirty Soda." The company was established in April 2010 by Nicole Tanner in St. George, Utah. Tanner, drawing inspiration from childhood memories of enjoying cold sodas from her grandparents' fridge and a desire to create a better drive-thru drink experience than existing options, opened the first location near what is now Utah Tech University. After a personal battle with breast cancer, Tanner was motivated to build a business that could also serve the community, which led to the creation of the "Save the Cups" nonprofit to help women fighting the disease.

The core of Swig's business is the "Dirty Soda," a concept it trademarked in 2013, which involves mixing brand-name sodas with a variety of add-ins like flavored syrups, fruit purees, and creams, such as coconut cream or half-and-half. This model allows for extensive personalization, with customers choosing from menu items or creating their own combinations. Beyond sodas, the menu also includes water-based refreshers, energy drinks, and a limited selection of snacks like pretzel bites and frosted sugar cookies. The business model is primarily focused on a drive-thru format, designed for speed and customer service, catering to a demographic that includes teens, young adults, and families seeking a quick, customized treat. Revenue is generated through the direct sale of these beverages and snacks at its various locations.

The company has experienced significant growth, initially expanding to 17 locations by 2017 before Tanner sold the chain to Four Foods Group. A major investment from Savory Fund in 2017 further fueled its expansion to 40 locations within five years. In a key strategic move in 2022, the Larry H. Miller Company (LHM) acquired a majority stake, with Savory Fund and Tanner retaining significant minority interests, a partnership aimed at accelerating national expansion. Following this acquisition, Swig launched a multi-unit franchising program in early 2023, quickly signing commitments for hundreds of new stores across the U.S. As of early 2025, Swig had grown to over 100 locations in more than a dozen states and has ambitious plans for further growth, aiming for 1,000 locations by 2030.

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