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Swig names Todd Smith as chief commercial officerSwig names Todd Smith as chief commercial officer

Former Sonic executive to aid ‘dirty soda’ company’s growth strategy

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

January 7, 2025

1 Min Read
Swig exterior
Swig

Swig has named Todd Smith, a former Sonic Drive-In executive, as chief commercial officer, the company said Tuesday.

Swig-Todd-Smith-Headshot.jpgThe Lehi, Utah-based “dirty soda” brand said Smith joined Swig with nearly 20 years of restaurant experience. He started his career at Yum! Brands in brand management and has held key roles with KFC, The Wendy's Co., Sonic and Cafe Rio. Smith also served as an independent director at Potbelly Sandwich Works.

“Todd has extensive industry experience and brings a dynamic energy to the team,” Alex Dunn, Swig CEO, said in a statement. “He’s been involved with restaurants at virtually every stage of the lifecycle, and we can’t wait to see how he elevates the Swig brand and helps lead Swig’s expansion across the United States.”

Smith added: "I have been a huge fan of Swig for a number of years, and I have a household full of Swig fanatics. Joining Swig is one of the most exciting opportunities of my career.”

Swig, founded in 2010, ended 2024 with more than 100 stores in 14 states.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

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About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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