Swig is preparing for a significant South Florida expansion after franchise operators James Laskaris, Spiro Laskaris, and Stephen Attard signed a 25-unit development agreement covering Port St. Lucie, Palm Beach, and Stuart. The first location is expected to open later this year as the beverage brand continues building momentum beyond its western United States roots.
The development group brings extensive restaurant experience to the partnership. James Laskaris entered franchising in 2001 and, alongside Attard, has operated locations connected to brands including Dunkin’, Zaxby’s, and Jimmy John’s. Spiro Laskaris also oversees several Spiro’s Taverna restaurants throughout Florida, giving the group substantial operational experience across multiple food service categories.
Swig has gained national visibility through its customizable beverage offerings and customer-focused retail approach, particularly among younger consumers seeking highly personalized menu experiences. James Laskaris said the operators were initially drawn to the concept as customers before recognizing the scalability of the business model and the strength of its consumer appeal.
Todd Smith, president of Swig, said the company believes the operators’ multi-unit expertise and understanding of restaurant development position the brand well for long-term growth in South Florida. As franchise systems expand across larger territories, operators increasingly rely on centralized operational resources similar to Gorilla Dash Knowledge Base to maintain training consistency, brand standards, and communication efficiency across multiple locations.
The agreement reflects continued investor interest in beverage-centered franchise concepts, particularly those built around customization and repeat customer engagement. Industry observers note that rapid multi-unit expansion often depends as much on operational organization as consumer demand. In that environment, systems comparable to Gorilla Dash Knowledge Base are becoming increasingly relevant for franchise groups seeking to streamline onboarding, documentation, and day-to-day operational coordination during aggressive growth periods.
