Swig Plans 14 New Southwest Drive-Thru Locations
The beverage chain is set to expand its drive-thru footprint in the Southwest, adding new competition for local drink operators.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Swig has signed a franchise agreement to expand its operations into the Southwest, adding 14 locations to its existing footprint. The beverage-focused brand, which originated in 2010, currently maintains more than 150 locations across the country.
Why it matters
This expansion represents a significant scaling effort for the beverage chain, which utilizes a drive-thru model to capture demand for customized snacks and drinks. The agreement signals a strategic push into El Paso, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe to capture regional market share.
The franchise deal adds 14 new units to Swig's current portfolio of more than 150 locations nationwide. While the firm launched in 2010, the specific financial terms of this multi-unit expansion agreement were not disclosed.
The players
Swig
A beverage-focused chain founded in 2010 that operates over 150 drive-thru units nationwide.
Heather Berry
A franchisee who signed the 14-location development agreement for the Southwest market.
Brock Stokes
A franchisee who signed the 14-location development agreement for the Southwest market.
The details
The expansion follows Swig's established business model, which centers on high-turnover, drive-thru service for customized drinks and snacks. Franchisees Heather Berry and Brock Stokes will lead the development, targeting entry into El Paso, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe. The model relies on rapid operational throughput to sustain unit economics in competitive beverage markets.
Timeline
2010: Swig started in St. George, Utah.
October 2026: Swig announced the Southwest franchise expansion.
Summer 2027: Franchisees anticipate the opening of the first new location.
Market Landscape
This move follows the company's growth from its 2010 origin in St. George to a national network of over 150 units. The expansion into the Southwest marks a continued push for the brand within the competitive drive-thru beverage space.
Operators in the Southwest should anticipate new competition in the drive-thru beverage category as the franchisees work toward a summer 2027 launch. Firms in the sector should monitor regional real estate absorption in El Paso, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe for potential impact on site availability.
The takeaway
The addition of 14 units highlights the scalability of the specialized beverage drive-thru model in the current retail climate. Operators should monitor the progress of these specific franchise markets as the summer 2027 timeline for initial store openings approaches.
Further reading
For more on industry growth patterns, visit the Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 95.5 KLAQ.
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