Smalls Sliders is bringing back a fan-favorite and introducing a new twist on a growing beverage trend. The fast-food chain announced the return of its Dr Pepper Swirl and the debut of a Dirty Dr Pepper, both available for a limited time through October 11 at all locations nationwide.
The Dr Pepper Swirl, which had a successful limited run last year, is a hand-spun shake made with a creamy vanilla base and swirled with ripples of Dr Pepper syrup. It offers a nostalgic soda fountain experience with a Smalls twist. 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.
The launch comes as the dirty soda category experiences explosive growth. According to Yelp, searches for dirty soda climbed 600% year over year and hit an all-time high in May 2026. This surge in consumer interest presents a significant opportunity for Smalls Sliders to attract new customers and satisfy existing ones. "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 limited-time drinks are designed to pair well with Smalls Sliders' fresh cooked-to-order sliders and seasoned waffle fries, enhancing the overall menu appeal. For frequent customers, the chain's loyalty program, Frequent Sliders, offers a first look at new product drops. Guests can join the program online or through the Smalls Sliders app. More information about Smalls Sliders is available at www.smallssliders.com.
Smalls Sliders has experienced rapid growth since its first location opened in 2019. The brand now has more than 375 Cans—its signature Smorange-colored shipping containers—open or under development across 30 states. It was founded by restaurateur Brandon Landry and is backed by 10 Point Capital and former NFL star Drew Brees. The chain's focused menu of cheeseburger sliders, waffle fries, and milkshakes has fueled its expansion and attracted premier multi-brand franchisees nationwide.
Dr Pepper, a brand of Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc., is the oldest major soft drink in the United States. Since 1885, its 23 flavors have earned a loyal following. The brand offers varieties including Regular, Diet, Caffeine Free, Cherry, Zero Sugar, Cream Soda, Blackberry, and Strawberries & Cream. For more information, visit DrPepper.com or keurigdrpepper.com.
The return of the Dr Pepper Swirl and the introduction of the Dirty Dr Pepper highlight Smalls Sliders' strategy to innovate within the beverage space and leverage the popularity of Dr Pepper. By offering limited-time items, the chain creates urgency and excitement, encouraging repeat visits. As the dirty soda trend continues to gain momentum, Smalls Sliders is well-positioned to capitalize on consumer demand and further differentiate itself in the competitive fast-food market.
