Swig: Redefining the Drive-Through Beverage Experience

Swig is a fast-growing drive-through beverage brand that originated in April 2010 in St. George, Utah, created by Nicole Tanner. The company has built its reputation around its signature “dirty sodas”—classic soft drinks such as Dr. Pepper and Coca-Cola enhanced with syrups, creams, and fruit purees. Alongside its beverages, Swig also offers cookies, pretzel bites, and icy treats that have become customer favorites.

Headquartered in American Fork, Utah, Swig has grown to 59 stores across multiple states, including Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Indiana, and Arkansas, as of 2024. Its unique take on soda customization has made it a standout in the drive-through space, helping it attract a loyal fan base and drive national attention.

Swig officially entered the franchise market in 2023 and is now targeting expansion in areas beyond its home turf of Utah and Arizona. With an ambitious development strategy, the company launched 14 new stores in 2023—two of which were franchise-operated—and has set a bold goal of reaching 500 total units within five to seven years.

Training

Swig Franchising, LLC offers a variety of training and support programs to assist franchisees in operating a Swig™ drink shop. Here are the main types of training provided by the franchisor:

1. Operations Manual Training
   Franchisees are provided electronic access to a comprehensive training and operations manual, which includes approximately 200 pages of policies, procedures, and operational standards. This manual is essential for maintaining brand consistency and operational efficiency.
2. Grand Opening On-Site Assistance
   Swig sends two representatives for a 7-day on-site assistance during the grand opening phase. This support is designed to help the franchisee navigate initial operations effectively. The associated fee for this support is $10,000, which includes travel, lodging, and meals for the representatives.
3. Ongoing Support and Updates
   The franchisor provides updates to the operations manual through various formats such as email, newsletters, or their learning management system. These updates may require franchisees to make adjustments, including capital investments.
4. Additional Training Upon Request
   Franchisees can request in-person training sessions during the operation of the business. These sessions are available for a fee of $300 per day plus expenses. The training may cover operational refinements, performance improvements, and addressing new developments.
5. Seminars and Conferences
   Swig may organize additional educational sessions like webinars, phone conferences, or in-person seminars. These aim to discuss marketing, operations, sales, and other aspects critical to business success. Attendance and travel costs are the responsibility of the franchisee.

Territory Protection

Swig Franchising, LLC does not grant exclusive territory rights. Franchisees receive a defined area, typically a two-mile radius, but Swig may still operate or authorize non-traditional outlets and other distribution methods within that area.

Swig also retains the right to sell through websites, apps, and social media in your territory without compensation. While no traditional franchises will be placed in your area, your territory is ultimately non-exclusive.