Swig Plans Rapid Expansion, Appoints 2 Leaders

Beverage-focused brand Swig plans to ramp up nationwide growth with the promotion of Todd Smith to president and the hiring of Shannon Swenson as chief, franchise partnerships.

Smith steps up to the role of president after serving as chief commercial officer, where he led everything from supply chain operations and real estate acquisitions to restaurant construction. In his new role, he’ll drive Swig’s expansion, including scouting locations to building company-owned stores to working with Swenson on a franchise program in the U.S.

Swenson most recently served as senior vice president of franchise development at Dave’s Hot Chicken. She helped grow the brand to 360 locations worldwide, over 1,400 franchise commitments and a billion-dollar valuation. At Swig, she’ll create a franchise strategy that builds on the brand’s 120-plus locations in 16 states.

From left: Todd Smith and Shannon Swenson

“Todd’s vision, Shannon’s franchising prowess, and the talent of Swig’s leaders and team members alike are the perfect combination to fuel our bold growth and make Swig everyone’s go-to stop for something delicious, unique, and totally customizable,” Alex Dunn, CEO of Swig, says in the release.

Based in Sandy, Utah, Swig offers dirty sodas (classic sodas with flavors, fresh fruit, purees or creams mixed in), water-based drinks called Refreshers and customizable energy drinks called Revivers, plus snack options.