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Larry H. Miller Company acquires majority stake in Savory Fund-owned Swig soda shopLarry H. Miller Company acquires majority stake in Savory Fund-owned Swig soda shop

Savory Fund passes the baton of Swig ownership over to the real estate and entertainment investment company

Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor

November 22, 2022

2 Min Read
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Savory Fund-owned Swig — the drive-thru customized “dirty soda” concept based in Salt Lake City, Utah — announced Tuesday that real estate and entertainment investment company, the Larry H. Miller Company, has acquired a majority stake in the brand, though terms of the transaction were not disclosed. This news comes on the heels of the announcement that Swig named a new CEO, former See’s Candy executive, Rian McCartan, last month. 

Private equity firm, Savory Fund, Swig founder Nicole Tanner, and partners Chase Wardrop and Dylan Roeder will retain minority stakes in the business as Swig’s new owners hope to develop the concept in new regions nationally. Swig is slated to reach 46 locations by the end of 2022, with 25 corporate locations scheduled to open next year. 

“Since we initially invested over four years ago, Swig has become the undisputed leader in this redefined category of customized beverages,” Andrew K. Smith, managing partner and co-founder of Savory Fund said in a statement. “[…] We are excited to welcome the Larry H. Miller Company and look forward to continuing to support Rian McCartan and the rest of the Swig team as they bring this market-defining concept across the country.”

The Larry H. Miller Company also committed to introducing the Swig concept to the LHM Megaplex Theatres in their portfolio. 

“Swig’s founders, and team, including the Savory Fund, have done an amazing job building this fast-growing brand,” Steve Starks, CEO of the LHM Company said in a statement. “We love Swig’s growth trajectory, best-in-class customer service, strong employee culture, and commitment to delivering positive guest experiences. We are excited to welcome the Swig team to the LHM Company and are excited to help accelerate its national expansion.”

Arlington Capital Advisors served as exclusive financial advisor to Swig, with Mayer Brown LLP serving as legal advisor to both Swig and Savory Fund.

Contact Joanna Fantozzi at [email protected]

Follow her on Twitter: @JoannaFantozzi

 

 

 

 

About the Author

Joanna Fantozzi

Senior Editor

Joanna Fantozzi is a Senior Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She has more than seven years of experience writing about the restaurant and hospitality industry. Her editorial coverage ranges from profiles of independent restaurants around the country to breaking news and insights into some of the biggest brands in food and beverage, including Starbucks, Domino’s, and Papa John’s.  

Joanna holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and creative writing from The College of New Jersey and a master’s degree in arts and culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Prior to joining Informa’s Restaurants and Food Group in 2018, she was a freelance food, culture, and lifestyle writer, and has previously held editorial positions at Insider (formerly known as Business Insider) and The Daily Meal. Joanna’s work can also be found in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, The New York Daily News, and Parents Magazine. 

Her areas of expertise include restaurant industry news, restaurant operator solutions and innovations, and political/cultural issues.

Joanna Fantozzi has been a moderator and event facilitator at both Informa’s MUFSO and Restaurants Rise industry events. 

Joanna Fantozzi’s experience:

Senior Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (August 2021-present)

Associate Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (July 2019-August 2021)

Assistant Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (Oct. 2018-July 2019)

Freelance Food & Lifestyle Reporter (Feb. 2018-Oct. 2018)

Food & Lifestyle Reporter, Insider (June 2017-Feb. 2018)

News Editor, The Daily Meal (Jan. 2014- June 2017)

Staff Reporter, Straus News (Jan. 2013-Dec. 2013)

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