This is part of dueling columns between Thirst and Swig. To read about Swig, click here.
In a state where soda shops replace coffee shops, one name stands out among the rest: Thirst. But Thirst doesn’t just stop at handcrafted sodas. They are known for their fluffy beignets, buttery pretzel bites, a welcoming staff, and free popcorn.
Dirty soda has taken Utah by storm in recent decades. We are known for “dirty sodas” that replace a morning cup of coffee, and mocked for pounding 44-ounce sodas at 8:00 AM. But for some, myself included, Thirst isn’t only about the sodas.
The key to a soda addict’s heart isn’t just a soda, it’s what they will have on the side. From pretzel bites to beignets to their weekly specials, they have it all. You can’t go to Thirst for a drink without picking up a snack on the side. Rather than serving prepackaged food, they make their food from scratch. It is truly a culinary art.
Each week, they have a new weekly special. Some of their past specials are things like pepperoni pretzels, Dubai chocolate beignets, and mozzarella pretzel sticks. Their unique take on popular foods is what keeps people coming back again and again.
If you choose to go with their fresh pretzel bites, which you can’t go wrong with, you get to choose between plain, salted, cinnamon sugar, or parmesan. As a sauce, you can get nacho, marinara, or icing.
You can also opt for something a little more sweet. Thirst offers powdered sugar and cinnamon sugar beignets with three types of drizzle cups: Nutella, raspberry, and honey.
Thirst has consistent, fresh food that is always just as good as I remember it being. Whatever you order, you are sure to be met with fresh food and a happy smile.
But beyond their menu of over 15 drink combinations, Thirst offers 28 soda bases, 28 syrup flavors, five purees, four creams, three frozen fruit options, and four fresh produce. No matter what you like, Thirst has something for you.
Something fruity? Freshin’ Twist and Miss Abby have fresh fruit and fruit syrups. Don’t like soda? Try one of their four water mixers or make your own. The options are endless.
Swig, Thirst’s competitor, offers minimal soda add ons and even less food items. Their small pretzel bites and pink cookies can’t even be compared to Thirst’s lengthy menu. The customization options that are offered at Thirst is an invitation to create a unique drink that is catered to your preferences and their food menu is perfect for all of the sweet tooths and snackers.
Within a competitive industry, soda shops must have something that helps them to stand out against the others. Their customer service is what the “it” factor is for Thirst. Thirst has a mission of “infecting” their customers with positivity, and their signature parting phrase, “have a happy day,” does just that.
According to their website, it is their mission to “provide a small but meaningful and ‘happy’ sliver of someone’s day.”
Customer service really can make or break an experience. From the moment you pull up to the drive thru, you are greeted with a welcoming smile. Employees that make your day just a little better make all the difference.
While other soda shops focus on highlighting a single product or low prices, they are missing the bigger picture on how to really reach a soda addict’s heart. Thirst is the best because it strives to be the best at every point of customer interaction, from first bite to final sip.
