Swig’s out-of-state shops are beating its Utah stores by up to half, and the “dirty soda” playbook is scaling fast.
Story Highlights
- Investor says non-Utah stores run 40%–50% stronger than Utah units
- Company footprint now spans 23 states, with rapid openings planned
- Majority stake from the Larry H. Miller Company fueled expansion
- Multi-unit franchise deals aim to seed new markets at speed
Out-of-state strength powers the next phase
Swig’s expansion engine is running hottest beyond its home turf. Andrew K. Smith of Savory Fund said locations outside Utah are performing roughly 40% to 50% better than in-state stores.
He framed the surge as a “Starbucksification” of soft drinks, with the concept turning a simple soda into an everyday ritual that people will drive for and repeat often.
That traffic advantage matters most when rent, labor, and syrup costs rise. Better sales per store give the chain room to keep growing.
The footprint shows how fast momentum can compound. Swig said it now operates in 23 states and plans to keep adding shops this year. The company’s public store list suggests a triple-digit base and broad reach across the Mountain West, Southwest, and the South, plus fresh pushes into the Midwest and East.
A larger map spreads risk and builds brand awareness. It also tests whether the mix-in soda habit can become a national routine rather than just a Utah tradition.
Capital, leadership, and a clear formula
Money and management shape rollouts as much as menu hits. The Larry H. Miller Company acquired a majority stake in 2022, giving Swig deeper pockets, real estate know-how, and a long-term owner that can back build-outs at scale. Leadership moves match the plan.
The company added a seasoned development chief and leaned into franchise partnerships to speed new market entries. Clear roles and access to capital reduce common stumbling blocks that sink copycats during fast growth.
Swig’s ‘dirty soda’ boom grows beyond Utah as investor touts ‘Starbucksification’ of soft drinks https://t.co/0SSqHUcZ6n
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) August 18, 2026
The model is simple and sticky: a drive-through line, a short ticket time, and a drink you can customize to the hilt. That mix invites daily habits and group orders. It also enables tight operations with limited kitchen needs. Investors like that math.
It defends margins and makes training easier when opening many units at once. The idea does not require a crash course to explain. You pull up, you pick your soda, add flavors and cream, then go. Simple scales.
Franchising turns curiosity into coverage
Franchise deals convert buzz into doors. Swig signed a ten-store development agreement to enter Colorado Springs, a move that places the brand near growing suburbs and military bases with strong drive-through demand.
Similar multi-unit agreements plant flags fast, create local marketing flywheels, and reward operators who know their market blocks.
Those deals only work if unit economics hold, but early results outside Utah suggest room to run, with better sales smoothing the ramp.
A broader lineup of franchise commitments also builds credibility with landlords. High-traffic corners now expect a chain to demonstrate demand and a plan to open several sites, not just one.
Swig’s pipeline signals that it can anchor a small center, drive morning and afternoon visits, and sustain a loyal base that returns several times a week. That pitch is stronger when backed by a balance sheet and a known development team.
Why “Starbucksification” fits the moment
The “Starbucksification” label works here because Swig is selling ritual and customization more than soda. Customers want a treat that feels personal and repeatable. The drive-through line turns into a mini community, like the morning coffee run, but with fizz and flavor shots.
As the chain adds states, the question becomes how wide that ritual travels. So far, out-of-state performance says it travels well, thanks to a clear format and a menu that meets local tastes.
Swig investor says ‘dirty soda’ chain is booming beyond Utah | Fox Business https://t.co/1OmgK2jwkw
— XPNAiiMODEDX26 🇵🇭 (@XPNAiiMODEDX26) August 18, 2026
A low-cost, high-frequency product, a tight box, and fast service can win in many towns. A strong owner and focused franchise partners reduce shortcuts. The test ahead is opening pace versus training depth.
Based on the owner’s track record and the sales lift outside Utah, the chain looks built to keep growing. Watch where multi-unit deals land next and whether those first ten openers in new markets stick their landings.
Sources:
foxbusiness.com, swig.com, lhm.com
