Swig Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs
Swig is a drive-through soda-fountain chain founded in April 2010 by Nicole Tanner in St. George, Utah. Known as the “Home of the Original Dirty Soda™,” Swig serves soft drinks, cookies, pretzel bites, and semi-frozen treats.
The brand is recognized for its “dirty sodas,” which are base sodas like Coca-Cola or Dr. Pepper, combined with flavored syrups, creams, and fruit purees. Since its founding, Swig has expanded to 59 locations across states such as Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Indiana, and Texas as of 2024.
Swig began franchising in 2023 and is actively seeking franchisees in regions outside of specific states like Utah and Arizona. Swig aims for rapid growth, with plans to open 500 stores within five to seven years, having launched 14 new stores in 2023, including two franchised locations.
The company is headquartered in American Fork, Utah, and is owned by the Larry H. Miller Company, with other stakeholders including the Savory Fund.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Swig franchise? It costs on average between $559,000 - $1,981,000 to start a Swig franchised store.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of shop you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial franchise fee | $39,500 – $39,500 |
| Initial training | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Fees for additional trainees | $0 – $5,000 |
| Real estate improvements | $260,000 – $700,000 |
| Site development fee (Optional) | $0 – $35,000 |
| Rent (3 months of rent, plus a security deposit) | $6,400 – $33,000 |
| Equipment, furniture, fixtures, décor, and supplies | $78,500 – $115,000 |
| Uniforms and Tumblers | $4,000 – $7,000 |
| POS system, computer hardware, and software | $12,000 – $18,500 |
| Signs | $18,000 – $25,000 |
| Miscellaneous opening costs | $5,000 – $25,000 |
| Opening inventory | $8,500 – $15,000 |
| Grand opening assistance fee | $10,000 – $10,000 |
| Grand opening marketing | $30,000 – $35,000 |
| Additional funds | $30,000 – $45,000 |
| Total | $504,900 – $1,118,000 |
Swig Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
What funding options are available for a Swig franchise?
Most franchise buyers in Swigs investment range finance their unit through an SBA 7(a) loan, with some multi-unit operators using SBA 504 loans. Buyers with rollable retirement funds sometimes use a ROBS structure. See SharpSheets financial model hub for guidance.
How long does it take to pay back a Swig franchise investment?
Payback periods typically run 3-7 years depending on investment level, location performance, and financing structure. Actual payback varies significantly by unit performance and debt service obligations.
Who owns Swig?
Swig is owned by the Larry H. Miller Company, which acquired a majority stake in the brand. Additionally, other stakeholders, such as the Savory Fund, Nicole Tanner (the founder), Chase Wardrop, and Dylan Roeder, hold significant minority equity in the company.
SharpSheets Editorial Team | sharpsheets.io | Last Updated: July 2026
Disclaimer
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Research Swig franchise data: For the full FDD cost breakdown, investment tables, and Item 19 disclosures, visit FranchisePayback.com → Swig FDD Review.
