Trendy Dirty Soda Brand To Open 13 Locations In Chicago Market

Swig, the home of the "original dirty soda," will expand into the Chicago area with 13 locations, the brand recently announced.

The beverage brand has signed multi-unit franchise operators Derek and Michelle Hincks to grow Swig across Chicago's southwest suburbs, according to a news release.

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Planned locations announced last week include stores in Naperville, Bolingbrook, Crest Hill and Romeoville.

Derek Hincks told Patch that the Crest Hill location will open next month at 1701 N. Larkin Ave., Unit 800D. Locations in Naperville, Bolingbrook and Romeoville will open in 2027.

"We've admired Swig for years, not only because it created the dirty soda category, but because of the way the brand brings people together and makes every visit a fun, memorable
experience," Derek Hincks said in the news release.

"As longtime fans of the brand, becoming franchisees felt like a natural next step after meeting the experienced Executive team. Their passion and commitment to the business were contagious, and we knew we wanted to be a part of what they were building."

Hincks said he is eager to introduce Swig to the Chicago area and become part of its communities.

"Derek and Michelle bring the entrepreneurial mindset, franchise experience, and community-first values that we look for in our franchise partners," Alex Dunn, CEO of Swig, said in the news release. "Their passion for creating meaningful guest experiences and investing in the neighborhoods they serve makes them an outstanding addition to the Swig franchise family, and we look forward to supporting their growth throughout the Chicago market."

Swig has a drive-thru-centric footprint, according to the news release. The locations can operate in as little as 800-850 square feet.

"We continue to see strong demand from experienced operators who recognize the long-term potential of the Swig brand," Todd Smith, president of Swig, said in the news release. "Chicago represents an exciting growth market for us, and Derek and Michelle are well-positioned to introduce the Swig experience to new guests while building lasting connections within their communities."

Swig was founded in 2010 in St. George, Utah. It has more than 150 locations across 16 states.