Team Signs 25-Unit Deal with Swig

James Laskaris, his brother Spiro Laskaris, and business partner Stephen Attard have signed a 25-unit deal to expand Swig, the beverage brand, across Southern Florida, including Port St. Lucie, Palm Beach, and Stuart. The first location is expected to open by the end of this year, fueling Swig's nationwide franchise initiative.

James Laskaris brings decades of restaurant experience rooted in family ownership, having grown up working in his family's diner in South Florida. He entered franchising in 2001 with Dunkin' and later expanded into Georgia in 2006 with Attard. Today, the group operates a robust portfolio of 80 Dunkin' locations, 11 Baskin-Robbins restaurants and multiple Zaxby's and Jimmy John's units. Spiro Laskaris has also built his own concept, Spiro's Taverna, a growing Greek brand with seven locations across Florida. Together, the partners bring deep operational expertise, a strong track record of multi-unit growth, and a shared commitment to community engagement.

"We were first introduced to Swig as customers and immediately saw the potential," James Laskaris said. "The product stands out, the model is simple to scale, and the brand's marketing and energy really resonate with a younger, highly engaged customer base. What stood out most is Swig's focus on 'daymaking,' creating small moments that make someone's day better. That mindset aligns closely with how we operate our businesses and engage with our communities, and we're excited to bring that experience to South Florida."

Shannon Swenson, chief of franchise partnerships at Swig, said the trio of ideal franchise partners.

"As experienced multi-unit operators, they understand how to scale a concept while delivering consistent, community-focused experiences," Swenson said. "Just as importantly, they truly believe in what makes Swig special. That passion is exactly what we look for in our franchisees, partners who will help grow the brand with the same commitment and care we bring to it every day."

Swig's franchise model is built for efficiency and convenience with a drive-thru-centric footprint that can operate in as little as 800 to 850 square feet. The concept eliminates the need for complex kitchen infrastructure.

"James, Spiro, and Stephen embody the type of franchise partners we are looking to grow with at Swig," said Todd Smith, president of Swig. "Their proven multi-unit experience, operational discipline, and commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience make them a great fit for our brand. Just as importantly, they share a genuine passion for Swig and our 'daymaking' mission, which is critical as we continue to scale in high-growth markets like South Florida."