Swig Expands Dirty Soda Craze to Suburban Locations

Swig, known for popularizing the dirty soda trend, plans to open drive-thru soda shops in the suburbs. A franchise agreement will see 13 new locations, including Naperville, Crest Hill, Romeoville, and Bolingbrook. The Crest Hill outlet is expected to open in August, followed by others next year.

Understanding Dirty Sodas

Dirty sodas are customizable, nonalcoholic beverages. They mix regular or diet sodas like Coke or Dr Pepper with creamer, flavored syrups, or fruit juice. This blend gives the drink a cloudy, or ‘dirty,’ appearance. Originating in Utah, the trend gained popularity within the Mormon community, who usually avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea.

The drinks have been featured in TV shows such as ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ and gained traction through social media, boosted by endorsements from influencers like Olivia Rodrigo.

Beyond Dirty Sodas

Swig offers more than just dirty sodas. Their menu includes water-based drinks called Refreshers and customizable energy drinks named Revivers. They also serve a range of sweet and savory snacks, famously their pink frosted sugar cookie.

Founded in 2010 in St. George, Utah, Swig has grown to over 150 locations in 16 states. Husband-and-wife duo Derek and Michelle Hincks, owners of Sip City Social LLC, will manage the new suburban sites. Derek Hincks stated, ‘We’ve admired Swig not only for creating the dirty soda category, but for uniting people through a fun and memorable experience.’

Industry Influence

The rise of Swig has caught the attention of major chains like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Sonic, who now offer their interpretations of dirty sodas. Swig itself has established a successful franchise model with drive-thru locations operating on as little as 800-850 square feet, similar to coffee chain 7 Brew.