Swig is looking for a new CEO, after the departure this week of Rian McCartan.
The growing Utah-based beverage chain said in an email that McCartan, named chief executive just two years ago, has left the company. No reason was given for McCartan’s departure.
A representative for the company said that Alex Dunn, managing partner with The Larry Miller Co., would serve as CEO on an interim basis while a successor is found. Swig said it was conducting a national search for McCartan’s replacement.
Swig was founded in 2010 by Nicole Tanner. It serves “dirty soda” in a drive-thru-only format, meaning customers can mix fountain drinks with various syrups, creams and toppings. The beverages are served over pebble ice.
McCartan was brought on as chief executive in 2022. He succeeded Tanner, essentially becoming the brand’s first professional CEO.
Swig was sold to The Larry Miller Co., the former owner of the NBA’s Utah Jazz, later that year. The Savory Fund, a Utah-based investment firm, holds a significant minority stake in the brand.
Swig is part of a generation of fast-growing, drive-thru beverage chains. The brand has grown rapidly in recent years through franchising and operates 64 locations in seven states.
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