Swig Inks 38-Unit Deal to Grow in Kansas City Metro Area

Swig has signed a multi-unit franchise agreement with experienced operators Jeremy Assmus, Chris Redfern, Jesse Christiansen, and Tre Mulliner to expand the brand's footprint across Missouri and Kansas. The 38-unit agreement builds on the group's early success throughout the Kansas City metro area and will introduce Swig's highly customizable drink experience to additional communities across both states. The group's newest location is expected to open in Kansas City's North River area by Q4 2026, fueling Swig's nationwide franchise initiative.

The franchise group brings decades of executive leadership experience in sales, finance, and operations. Together, they have leveraged their combined expertise to successfully scale Swig across the Kansas City metro area. Since becoming one of the brand's first franchise groups in 2023, the team has grown to eight locations, four in Missouri and four in Kansas, creating more than 250 jobs while establishing a strong operational foundation for continued expansion throughout both states.

"We've been fans of Swig for years, so when the opportunity to become one of the brand's first franchisees came along, it felt like a natural next step," said Assmus. " We believed Missouri and Kansas would embrace the concept, and the response has exceeded our expectations. The enthusiasm we've seen across local communities from day one reinforced that we made the right decision, and we're excited to build on that momentum as we bring Swig to even more communities throughout Kansas City."

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.

"The success this franchise group has achieved across the Kansas City metro area demonstrates what's possible when passionate, experienced operators pair strong business leadership with exceptional execution," said Alex Dunn, CEO of Swig. "Their commitment to building great teams, creating opportunities within their communities, and delivering an outstanding guest experience makes them an ideal partner as we continue expanding across the country."

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're continuing to see strong interest from experienced multi-unit operators who recognize the strength and scalability of the Swig model," said Todd Smith, President of Swig. "This expansion is another example of how successful franchisees are growing alongside our brand, and we're excited to continue supporting their long-term success."

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.

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