#52
At a Glance
Products & Services: Drive-in restaurant
Number of Locations: 3,443
Total Investment: $1.11M - 3M
Founded: 1954
Began Franchising: 1959
About Sonic Drive In Restaurants
Sonic Drive In Restaurants began when Troy Smith purchased the Top Hat Drive-In, a root beer stand in Shawnee, Oklahoma. He expanded from there and teamed up with Charlie Pappe. They introduced the Sonic name and began franchising in 1959. At Sonic Drive In locations, patrons order hamburgers, fries, chicken, breakfast items, specialty drinks, desserts and more curbside in their cars from a speaker box.Franchise Units
| Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
| 2012 | 3,005 | 0 | 0 | 438 |
| 2011 | 3,079 | 0 | 0 | 446 |
| 2010 | 3,103 | 0 | 0 | 458 |
| 2009 | 3,055 | 0 | 0 | 481 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units throughout the U.S.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $1,112,300 - $3,002,700
Franchise Fee: $45,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 2-5%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 20 years, renewable
Franchise Fee: $45,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 2-5%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 20 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $1,000,000
Liquid Cash Available: $1,000,000
Operations
60% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 25. Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed..| Financing Type | In-House | Third Party |
| Franchise Fee | ||
| Startup Costs | ||
| Equipment | ||
| Inventory | ||
| Accounts Receivable | ||
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How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: Available at headquarters: 1 week. At franchisee's location: 11 weeks. Additional training available : 1 day to 1 week.
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
Marketing Support: Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising,
Franchise Ranking History
America's Top Global: #4 (2009),
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