Original Dirty Soda® Brand Expands Footprint into Chicago’s Southwest Suburbs
Swig, the Home of the Original Dirty Soda® and category-creating beverage brand, has signed a multi-unit franchise agreement with experienced franchise operators Derek and Michelle Hincks to expand the brand across Chicago’s southwest suburbs. The development agreement will introduce Swig’s highly customizable drink experience to new communities, including Naperville, Crest Hill, Joliet, and Bolingbrook, with the first location scheduled to open in August 2026. The agreement marks another milestone in Swig’s continued Midwest expansion and nationwide franchise growth.
Derek and Michelle Hincks, the husband-and-wife team who own Sip City Social LLC, bring a passion for positively impacting the communities they serve. Since relocating to the Chicago area in 2020, the couple has developed a strong appreciation for the region and has remained committed to supporting local schools, charitable organizations, and community initiatives. Their entrepreneurial mindset and people-first approach to business position them to introduce the Swig experience to guests throughout the southwest suburbs.
“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,” said Derek Hincks. “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. We’re eager to introduce Swig to the Chicago area, become part of these communities, and create places where guests can connect over something they genuinely enjoy.”
As the creator of the dirty soda category, Swig continues to lead a rapidly growing segment within the beverage space, fueled by consumer demand for customization, innovation, convenience, and “Daymaking” moments of connection.
“Derek and Michelle bring the entrepreneurial mindset, franchise experience, and community-first values that we look for in our franchise partners,” said Alex Dunn, CEO of Swig. “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’s franchise model is built for efficiency and convenience, with a drive-thru-centric footprint that can operate in as little as 800–850 square feet. The concept eliminates the need for complex kitchen infrastructure, enabling operators to streamline labor, reduce build-out costs, and scale efficiently across multiple locations.
“We continue to see strong demand from experienced operators who recognize the long-term potential of the Swig brand,” said Todd Smith, President of Swig. “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.”
Founded in 2010 in St. George, Utah, Swig has grown from a single drive-thru concept into a nationally expanding brand with more than 150 locations across 16 states. The brand’s growth is driven by its simple, scalable model, deeply loyal customer base, and ability to deliver a personalized beverage experience that resonates across generations.
Swig is actively seeking qualified multi-unit operators to support its continued national expansion. Ideal franchise candidates bring proven experience in restaurant operations and a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences at scale.
For more information on Swig franchise opportunities, visit https://swig.com/franchising
For more information about Swig, visit https://swig.com/
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ABOUT SWIG
Swig, Home of the Original Dirty Soda®, is one of the fastest-growing and most successful beverage-focused brands in the country. Founded in 2010, Swig formally introduced the concept of the “dirty soda” to customers, who quickly embraced the brand’s unique drink mixes, blending classic sodas with bold flavors, fresh fruits, purees, and creams. In addition to their trademark dirty sodas, Swig also offers water-based drinks called Refreshers, customizable energy drinks called Revivers, and sweet and savory snack options, including its famous pink frosted sugar cookie. For more information, visit Swig.com.