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Swig president talks speed, focus groups, making a customer’s day and more

The dirty soda company is getting to the point where it’s planning a year ahead, Todd Smith says

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Todd Smith (left), president of Sandy, Utah-based Swig, which is known as the home of the original dirty soda. The two talked in April at CSP’s Dispensed Beverages Forum in Lombard, Illinois. A dirty soda, Smith said, is a soda with added flavors, purees, creams and fruits “just to make it more interesting.” Swig has 153 locations in 16 states.

Their discussion includes how Swig started and some key operational strategies that have helped Swig maintain consistency and quality across its 150-plus locations. Smith also discusses how they call the company’s employees “day makers”—because “the whole thing is making somebody’s day,” he said.

On this podcast, Smith also shares how the company is getting to the point where they’re planning a year ahead, “which is really, really great.”

He also talks about a focus group, which meets at least once a month, with the company’s very best customers where Swig tests new flavors and flavor combinations with them.

“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.

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