Utah-born drive-thru chain Swig, credited with kicking off the modern "dirty soda" craze, is officially on its way to Chicago’s southwest suburbs with a 13-unit franchise deal. The expansion targets Naperville, Crest Hill, Romeoville and Bolingbrook, with the first location planned for Crest Hill in August 2026. The suburban buildout is in the hands of franchisees Derek and Michelle Hincks, operating through Sip City Social LLC. Expect a tight, drive-thru-focused layout built around customizable sodas, chilled drinks and a short lineup of snacks.
Swig's Midwest push
The move into the southwest suburbs was first reported by the Chicago Tribune and follows a company announcement of a multi-unit franchise agreement for the area. Trade coverage from QSR Magazine notes that the Hincks will be responsible for developing all 13 locations and that Swig has already grown to more than 150 shops across 16 states since its 2010 debut.
What is a dirty soda?
So what exactly are customers lining up for? Dirty sodas are nonalcoholic, build-your-own drinks that start with a standard soda and then get "dirtied" with creamers, flavored syrups, juices or fruit purees, a combo that creates the signature cloudy look, according to the Daily Herald. As reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, the trend first bubbled up in Utah and surrounding communities where coffee and alcohol are often skipped, which helped the category explode in the Mountain West before spreading nationwide.
When and where to expect one
Swig says the Crest Hill store will lead the suburban rollout, with an expected opening in August 2026, followed by additional southwest suburban locations the next year. Local franchising and trade coverage outline a plan that covers Naperville, Crest Hill, Romeoville and Bolingbrook, all under the Hincks’ multi-unit agreement. The chain’s compact drive-thru model typically fits into about 800 to 850 square feet, a setup that streamlines construction and helps keep development costs lower, according to Fast Casual.
Local scene and what to expect
Chicago is not starting from scratch on dirty sodas. Independently run spots are already in the mix, including Johnny's Dirty Soda in Lakeview, which drew attention earlier this year as the Belmont strip fizzes with the trend, according to local coverage. Trade and local reporting also point out that national chains have begun adding their own flavored soda mashups, signaling that this is no niche experiment. With its quick, drink-first service and tiny footprint, Swig’s model is set to operate very differently from a traditional sit-down restaurant.
What you'll find on the menu
When doors do open, menus will center on build-your-own dirty sodas, water-based Refreshers and customizable energy drinks branded as Revivers. Those drinks are backed up by a short snack list that includes a pink frosted sugar cookie, all featured on Swig’s current lineup. Industry reporting notes that the streamlined menu and focused operations are a big reason Swig leans on multi-unit franchise deals to break into new regions. Curious customers can browse flavors and combinations in advance on Swig.
Franchise operators say they will release specific addresses and grand-opening dates as construction advances, with local government filings and leasing notices expected to confirm each site. Until then, suburban soda fans will have to watch the permits and "coming soon" signs to see where the first drive-thru lands.
