Swig’s First Franchise Location Officially Opens in Arkansas

Arkansas couple’s dream comes to life with the opening of the first franchised Swig unit – one of the fastest-growing beverage brands in thee country

Bentonville, AR  (RestaurantNews.com)  When Doug and Shannon Fowler moved to Arkansas to be near their children and grandchildren, they never would have predicted they’d be the newest franchisees to join the Swig drink shop family.

On Friday, Nov. 3, the Fowlers will unveil the first Swig location in Arkansas at 4204 W. Green Acres Road in Rogers. All visitors to the store between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. will get a free drink to celebrate the grand opening.

The “Home of the Original Dirty Soda” announced it was set to offer franchising in late 2022. It’s been quite a journey for the company, with Swig getting its start as a soda shack in St. George, Utah in 2010. Thirteen years later, it has become one of the fastest-growing beverage brands in the country and has 250 franchise locations in development in just six months. This Arkansas location is the first franchise unit to open – with many more to follow.

But how did these loving grandparents embark on their journey to become the newest owners of this innovative drink shop concept? The couple had previously visited Utah and fallen in love with Swig’s unique menu of “dirty sodas,” refreshers and energy drinks.

“We wanted to bring our love of Swig to our wonderful new home of Arkansas,” said Doug Fowler. “No place else had the exciting tastes, unique flavor combinations, or to-die-for treats Swig offers.”

Every time they visited Utah, Swig was both their first and last stop. They loved trying something new each time and knew they would never be disappointed. In their view, no other brand compared to Swig’s menu options.

“We wanted to share the unique Swig experience with our friends and family in Arkansas, but when we first inquired, franchising wasn’t available. We knew if we tried to start our own drink shop, Swig would run us out of business if they ever started franchising because the quality of its drinks is unmatched,” said Shannon Fowler. “Now that our store is a reality, we look around and can hardly believe we get to brighten our Arkansas neighbors’ days with happiness in a cup. We can’t wait to bring Swig to every corner of the state!”

The Fowlers knew they had made the right investment when they saw how much Swig’s training and leadership values aligned with their personal ideology. They also admired the brand’s commitment to providing opportunities for its employees, including preparing them for future career endeavors.

“We are thrilled to have our first Swig franchise unit officially open — and we couldn’t ask for better partners than the Fowlers,” said Rian McCartan, CEO. “They are phenomenal people and leaders, and they truly understand the vision and heart of Swig. We know Arkansas is going to show up and share the love with their new favorite drink spot.”

For more information about Swig, visit SwigDrinks.com and follow on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube.

About Swig

Swig, Home of the Original Dirty Soda, is one of the fastest-growing and most successful drink brands in the country. It got its start in 2010 in Saint George, Utah. Owner and Founder Nicole Tanner was brainstorming one night about possible business ideas and came up with the idea for a drive-by customized beverage shop. From that small beginning, Swig has expanded to 57 stores in six states, becoming thousands of people’s go-to destination for drinks and sweets.

About The Larry H. Miller Company

Headquartered in Sandy, Utah, the Larry H. Miller Company (LHMCO) oversees the Miller family’s portfolio of businesses and investments, including the Salt Lake Bees, Larry H. Miller Megaplex Theatres, Larry H. Miller Communities, Larry H. Miller Senior Health, and Prestige Financial. LHMCO has recently led several acquisitions, including Daybreak and Destination Homes, while also investing in SunCo, Lendio, Run Buggy, and Aqua Yield. Most recently, LHMCO acquired a majority stake in Swig, the fast-growing customized drink and treats company. For more information, visit www.lhm.com.

About Savory Fund

Savory Fund is an innovative private equity firm that combines over $600 million in assets under management with a growth playbook and expertise that has been developed over 15 years of operating in the restaurant industry. Savory partners with high-potential, profitable, emerging restaurant brands, to deliver financial capital, industry expertise, growth and revenue opportunities, profitability enhancements and new location development. The Savory team contributes directly to all aspects of growth and replication by using a proven playbook and methodology. Founder involvement in the expansion of a brand is a central theme of the Savory approach as founders carry the tribal knowledge around the uniqueness that has energized early success and is essential to future growth. The Savory Fund has invested in 9 brands: Swig, R&R BBQ, PINCHO, Via 313 Pizzeria, Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food, 86 Repairs, Saigon Hustle, Hash Kitchen, and The Sicilian Butcher. For more information, visit SavoryFund.com.

Contact:
Tiffany Martinez
Champion
972-930-9933
tmartinez@championmgt.com

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