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Sonic Drive-In

America's Drive-In

Business Type

Franchise

Initial Investment

$710,000 to $2,300,000

Required Net Worth

$1,000,000

Number of Units

2,533

In Business Since

1953

Overview

It's hard to find a franchise concept that serves success, opportunity and fun on the same tray. SONIC has been doing just that since 1953. Along the way, we've managed to become the largest chain of drive-in restaurants in the nation. Much of this success is due to our early beginnings and continued belief in the franchise system. It also reflects a strong relationship between our company and our customers, franchisees, employees and the communities where SONIC is located.

Products & Services

Drive-In Concept
Customers can park their cars and order without waiting in a busy drive-thru line.
Convenience
Customers order from their cars. There's no need to walk up to the counter thanks to the intercom, and the canopy provides shade and weather protection.
Great Service
Carhops deliver food straight to every customer's car.
Great Food
Hot, fresh food is made-to-order and whatever way customers want it -- with extra jalapenos, pickles, chili, etc.
Unique Menu Items
The Extra-Long Cheese Coney, Steak Sandwich, Tater Tots, Onion Rings, Toaster® Sandwiches, Ched 'R' Peppers® and Mozzarella Sticks are distinctively different SONIC menu items that customers crave.
Fountain Favorites®
SONIC is known for its Cherry Limeades, Ocean Water® drinks and fresh fruit Slushes.
Frozen Favorites®
Many customers specifically drive to SONIC for a Banana Split or Premi-YUM!® shakes like our award-winning Cream Pie Shakes and Chocolate-Covered Shakes, Floats and CreamSlush® treats, SONIC Blast® desserts, cones and dishes.

Training & Support

A comprehensive training program
Ongoing support from experienced operations, marketing and real estate professionals
Regional and national cable advertising
A national purchasing program to help you maximize economy, efficiency and profitability
A research and development team working to create products your customers want
Architectural, construction and engineering assistance
Marketing materials such as radio and TV commercials, newspaper ads, direct mail, coupon books, promotional posters and signage that can be customized for your locale
Crew-recruiting manual and materials

Why Sonic Drive-In?

What makes SONIC different from other franchise opportunities? A big part of the SONIC difference is the belief that "owners make better operators." In fact, SONIC franchisees enjoy one of the most successful businesses and one of the lowest turnover ratios in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) franchise industry, with unparalleled opportunities for personal success.

Satisfied customers are one of the best measures of a company's success, and SONIC maintains one of the highest customer frequency rates in the industry. For two years in a row, we have received the overall Gold Winner for the burger division of Restaurants & Institutions' Annual Choice in Chains Award.

Most of SONIC's new menu creations are pioneered by entrepreneurial franchisees. This was the case with SONIC's highly successful Frozen Favorites® dessert menu expansion in 1996. This spirit of cooperation has only been reinforced by the success it has afforded all of us.

Growth opportunities for SONIC are significant:

Average unit sales have increased each year since 1987.
System-wide sales have increased 68% over the past five years.
Hamburgers are the largest segment of the QSR, with annual sales of about $40 billion, and faster-growing revenues than any other segment.

Are You a Good Fit for Sonic Drive-In?

These are the basic requirements to own a SONIC franchise:

The term of a SONIC franchise is 20 years, plus a 10-year renewal.
The franchise fee is $45,000, with a total initial investment ranging from $710,000 to $2.3 million.
You must have prior or current successful restaurant experience and/or strong entrepreneurial skills.

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