TikTok-famous 'dirty soda' chain expanding to Tampa area
By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Sep 6, 2024

Swig Drinks, known for its TikTok-viral "dirty soda" orders, plans to grow in the Tampa Bay region.

Swig's first confirmed location is at Cypress Creek Town Center in Pasco County, next to PopStroke. The Utah-based drive-thru chain signed a ground lease for that location — and more are in the works, said Willow Ferrelli, managing partner and broker for ACRE Commercial in Tampa.

Representatives for Swig did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday. The chain adds creams, syrups and fruit to big-name soda brands like Dr. Pepper, Diet Coke and Mountain Dew. It also sells snacks that are easy to eat on the go, like pretzel bites and cookies. It's also known for its fan-favorite pebble ice.

Ferrelli represents the franchise group that signed a multi-unit deal to open Swig locations from Lecanto in Citrus County to St. Petersburg. Ferrelli said it's too soon to confirm any other Swig locations, but leasing negotiations are underway for several.

Ferrelli said Swig's ideal sites are around a half acre, and its average store is 800 to 1,000 square feet. However, depending on available real estate, its prototypes range from 750 to 1,800 square feet.

“We are very excited to bring Swig to the Greater Tampa Bay area," Ferrelli said in a statement. "We have received so much positive feedback over introducing the brand to the area due to their extensive fan base and brand followers from social media influencers to celebrities."

Tampa Bay isn't the only Florida metro where Swig is expanding: the chain has a location coming soon in Clermont. The company launched multi-unit franchising in 2023 and signed 12 deals with franchise partners that represent 250 stores to come.