Smalls Sliders is betting on the growing dirty soda craze with two limited-time beverage offerings. The fast-growing burger chain announced the return of its Dr Pepper Swirl and the debut of a new Dirty Dr Pepper, both available now through October 11 at its signature Cans nationwide.
The Dr Pepper Swirl, which had a limited run last year, features a creamy vanilla base hand-spun with ripples of Dr Pepper syrup. The new Dirty Dr Pepper starts with ice-cold Dr Pepper, adds real strawberry puree, and finishes with a splash of creamy vanilla for a sweet, refreshing drink. Both are designed to pair with Smalls Sliders’ fresh cooked-to-order sliders and seasoned waffle fries.
The launch comes as consumer interest in dirty sodas surges. According to Yelp data cited in the announcement, searches for dirty soda climbed 600% year over year and hit an all-time high in May 2026. Smalls Sliders is positioning itself to capture that demand with its own twist on the trend.
“Guests talk about the Dr Pepper Swirl all year, so we are excited to bring it back and give guests a second way to sip,” said Michael Alberici, Chief Marketing Officer for Smalls Sliders. “The Swirl is creamy, nostalgic and hand-spun, and the Dirty Dr Pepper arrives right as guests are chasing dirty sodas everywhere they go.”
The move underscores how beverage innovation is becoming a key battleground for fast-food chains seeking to differentiate their menus and drive traffic. Limited-time offers like these can generate buzz and encourage repeat visits, especially when tied to popular brands like Dr Pepper, a Keurig Dr Pepper brand that has been a staple since 1885.
Smalls Sliders has expanded rapidly since its first location in 2019, now with more than 375 Cans open or under development across 30 states. The brand, founded by restaurateur Brandon Landry and backed by 10 Point Capital and former NFL star Drew Brees, serves a deliberately focused menu from its Smorange-colored shipping containers. For more information, visit www.smallssliders.com.
The new drinks are available for a limited time, and members of the Smalls Sliders loyalty program will get a first look at future menu drops. Guests can join the program online or through the Smalls Sliders app.
