Swig’s out-of-state shops are beating Utah stores by nearly half, and the chain is racing across America.
Story Snapshot
- Investor says non-Utah stores outperform Utah by about 40% to 50%.
- Swig reports operating in 23 states, with rapid expansion planned.
- Majority stake by the Larry H. Miller Company accelerated growth.
- Signed franchise deals and new markets signal a scaled dirty soda push.
Out-of-state momentum turns a regional drink into a national play
Swig’s leaders say the biggest wins now happen far from home. Andrew K. Smith of Savory Fund said stores outside Utah are performing roughly 40% to 50% better than in-state locations, a gap that points to wide demand for “dirty soda” beyond its roots.
The company also said it operates in 23 states, with expansion targets that frame soda as a daily ritual rather than a treat. That is the “Starbucksification” thesis in plain numbers, not marketing blur.
Store maps show fresh pins across the Mountain West, Texas, the Midwest, and the Southeast, reflecting a pace typical of a fast-scaling franchise.
The public location list signals triple-digit units and a growing spread into dense suburban trade areas where drive-thru convenience and afternoon pick-me-ups win traffic. That footprint matters more than hype. It places the brand near schools, sports fields, and commuter routes, where repeat visits and loyalty programs can foster durable habits.
Capital, leadership, and franchising fuel the push
The Larry H. Miller Company bought a majority stake in 2022, giving Swig deep-pocketed, Utah-born backing with real estate and operations chops. After that deal, Swig added executives and franchise infrastructure to speed openings and manage quality at scale.
Press statements highlight hundreds of signed franchise units across the United States and Canada, as well as new development leadership to deliver sites on time and on budget. This is the classic playbook: lock capital, recruit operators, and build a pipeline before demand cools.
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
Local news and company announcements show the next wave. A 10-store development agreement will bring Swig to Colorado Springs, a military and family-heavy market that fits the brand’s drive-thru, customize-your-drink model.
Regional television and trade reports detail 250 new franchise units across seven additional states, including Florida and the Carolinas, which suggests a southern arc where quick-service beverage chains often thrive in warm climates and car-heavy towns. Execution now determines whether signings translate into steady daily sales.
Why the “Starbucks of soda” frame resonates with consumers
Customization sells. Dirty soda turns a commodity drink into a personal blend with flavors, fruit, and cream, then wraps it in fast service and social media-friendly names. That mirrors how coffee chains trained customers to order “their” latte. The difference is price and speed.
A family can swing through for four drinks and cookies without straining the budget or the schedule. For many communities that value family time and sober fun, soda shops offer a cheerful third place where keys and kids stay safe.
Swig investor says ‘dirty soda’ chain is booming beyond Utah | Fox Business https://t.co/1OmgK2jwkw
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The investor’s outperformance claim suggests healthy demand outside Utah, which supports both points. Backing from the Larry H. Miller Company signals prudent stewardship and a long-term view. Big commitments across multiple states, while not the same as open stores, show franchisees’ confidence in risking their own capital.
What to watch next as the footprint grows
Three signals will confirm staying power. First, repeat traffic during school months, not just summer spikes. Second, steady openings that match signed deals, without slipping timelines or costly redesigns.
Third, smart product guardrails that keep prep simple while offering enough variety to avoid menu bloat. The chain’s location spread and investor claims set a high bar.
If unit volumes outside Utah continue to lead and new states sustain lines at mid-afternoon, the “Starbucksification” label will feel earned rather than borrowed.
Sources:
foxbusiness.com, swig.com, finance.yahoo.com, abc4.com, lhm.com
