Swig, the Home of the Original Dirty Soda and category-creating beverage brand, has signed a multi-unit franchise agreement with experienced operators Najib and Walid Haidar to bring the brand to South Texas. The six-unit deal will accelerate Swig’s growth in Texas, introducing the highly customizable drink experience to new communities. The first location is expected to open by early 2027, fueling Swig’s nationwide franchise initiative.
Najib and Walid Haidar, a father-son team, bring extensive restaurant and franchising experience to their new venture with Swig. After moving from Lebanon to Texas more than a decade ago, Najib joined his family’s restaurant business, where he gained hands-on experience in operations, customer service, and multi-unit growth. Together, they helped expand the family’s portfolio while building a strong foundation in franchising, team leadership, and business operations. Their entrepreneurial mindset and operational expertise continue to guide their growth within the restaurant industry.
“Growing up in the restaurant business taught us the importance of building strong teams, serving the community, and creating an experience that guests genuinely connect with,” said Najib. “As we evaluated opportunities for continued growth, Swig stood out for its strong reputation, unique concept, and clear long-term vision. We look forward to bringing that experience to communities throughout South Texas and continuing to grow alongside the brand.”
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 Haidar family’s operational expertise, entrepreneurial mindset, and commitment to guest experience make them a strong fit for our franchise system,” said Alex Dunn, CEO of Swig. “Their experience in hospitality, leadership, and long-term growth strategy aligns closely with our vision as we continue expanding nationwide.”
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 seeing strong demand for concepts that are both operationally efficient and highly adaptable to today’s consumer preferences,” said Todd Smith, President of Swig. “Our model is designed to meet that demand, and expanding into Southern Texas is a natural next step as we continue to scale with the right partners.”
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
