Smalls Sliders is bringing back its Dr Pepper® Swirl and introducing a new Dirty Dr Pepper® for a limited time, the company announced. Both drinks are available now through October 11 at Smalls Sliders locations nationwide, known as Cans.
The Dr Pepper® Swirl returns after a successful limited run last year. It features a creamy vanilla base hand-spun with ripples of Dr Pepper® syrup, offering a nostalgic soda fountain treat with a Smalls twist. The new Dirty Dr Pepper® taps into the growing dirty soda trend, combining ice-cold Dr Pepper®, real strawberry puree, and a splash of creamy vanilla for a sweet, refreshing beverage.
The launch comes as consumer interest in dirty sodas surges. According to Yelp data cited by Smalls Sliders, searches for dirty soda climbed 600% year over year and reached an all-time high in May 2026. This trend presents a significant opportunity for restaurants to attract younger consumers seeking customizable, indulgent drinks.
"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."
Both limited-time drinks pair with Smalls Sliders' fresh cooked-to-order sliders and seasoned waffle fries. Frequent Sliders members receive early access to new menu drops, and guests can join the loyalty program online or through the Smalls Sliders app. For more information, visit www.smallssliders.com.
Smalls Sliders has experienced rapid growth since its first location in 2019. The brand now has more than 375 Cans open or under development across 30 states, attracting multi-brand franchisees nationwide. It was founded by restaurateur Brandon Landry and is backed by 10 Point Capital and former NFL star Drew Brees.
Dr Pepper®, a brand of Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc. (KDP), is the oldest major soft drink in the United States. Since 1885, its 23 flavors have earned a loyal following. The brand offers Regular, Diet, Caffeine Free, Cherry, Zero Sugar, Cream Soda, Blackberry, and Strawberries & Cream varieties. For more information, visit DrPepper.com or keurigdrpepper.com.
This news matters for business and technology leaders because it highlights how food and beverage brands are leveraging data-driven trends and limited-time offerings to drive customer traffic and loyalty. The dirty soda trend's explosive growth, evidenced by Yelp search data, signals shifting consumer preferences that can influence menu innovation and marketing strategies across the industry. Smalls Sliders' move also underscores the importance of strategic partnerships, like that with Dr Pepper®, in expanding brand reach and appealing to nostalgia while capturing new audiences. As the quick-service restaurant sector becomes increasingly competitive, such agile responses to emerging trends could be key to sustaining growth and franchisee success.
