Sonic Drive-In
#3 Franchise 500| Burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, breakfast, ice cream, beverages

Sonic Drive-In
Burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, breakfast, ice cream, beverages
|

About
Founded

1953

Franchising Since

1959 (60 Years)

Corporate Address

300 Johnny Bench Dr.
Oklahoma City, OK 73104

CEO

Claudia San Pedro

Parent Company

Inspire Brands

Financial Requirements
Initial Investment ⓘ

$1,236,800 - $3,536,300

Net-worth Requirement ⓘ

$1,000,000 - $2,000,000

Liquid Cash Requirement ⓘ

$500,000 - $1,000,000

Ongoing Fees
Initial Franchise Fee ⓘ

$45,000 - $45,000

Ongoing Royalty Fee

2.45-5%

Ad Royalty Fee

3.25-5%

Financing Options

Sonic Drive-In has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: 
franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, payroll

Support Options
Ongoing Support

Purchasing Co-ops

Newsletter

Meetings/Conventions

Toll-Free Line

Grand Opening

Online Support

Security/Safety Procedures

Field Operations

Franchisee Intranet Platform

Marketing Support

Co-op Advertising

Ad Templates

National Media

Regional Advertising

Social media

SEO

Email marketing

Loyalty program/app

On-The-Job Training:

400 hours

Classroom Training:

24 hours

Additional Training:

At existing franchise location

Number of Employees Required to Run:

25

Sonic Drive-In is ranked #3 in the Franchise 500!
Bio
Sonic first opened in 1953 as Top Hat Drive-In in Shawnee, Oklahoma, with Troy Smith Sr. at the helm. He later partnered with Charlie Pappe and they began franchising in 1959 under the Sonic Drive-In name. Sonic's car-hops deliver burger, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, tater tots, onion rings, fries, drinks, desserts and breakfast to customers.
Cost
Initial Investment: Low - $1,236,800 High - $3,536,300
Units
+0.8%+30 UNITS (1 Year) +2.0%+70 UNITS (3 Years)

Units (Locations)

Where Seeking Franchisees:

Franchisor is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Franchise Financing
Using 401(K)/IRA Funds
  • Tax Penalty-Free
  • Debt Free
  • Expert Guidance
Learn More

Related Franchises

See More

McDonald's

See More

Culver's

See More

Jack in the Box

See More

Carl's Jr. Restaurants LLC

See More

Hardee's Restaurants LLC

See More

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Request Free Info

Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc.

See More

Wienerschnitzel

Franchise Articles

McDonald's Is Acquiring AI Startup Apprente

McDonald's Is Acquiring AI Startup Apprente

Plus, there is a new self-checkout shopping cart making grocery shopping easier, and Google is using AI on its new baby monitor to help keep your baby safe.
Business Rockstars | 1 min read
This Franchise Offers an In-Demand Service and 'Recession-Resistant' Security

This Franchise Offers an In-Demand Service and 'Recession-Resistant' Security

At uBreakiFix, customer service is as important as device repair.
Entrepreneur Partner Studio Staff | 2 min read
On a Growth Tear, This Franchise Is Adding Franchisees in 'All the Right Places'

On a Growth Tear, This Franchise Is Adding Franchisees in 'All the Right Places'

PuroClean is expanding fast and looking for franchise owners to lead teams to success.
Entrepreneur Partner Studio Staff | 1 min read
Engen Franchisee, Mzwayi Ndwandwe's Service Station Success

Engen Franchisee, Mzwayi Ndwandwe's Service Station Success

Owning a petrol station is a dream for many South African entrepreneurs. Local Engen franchisee Mzwayi Ndwandwe discusses how he's building a business that matters in his community.
3 min read
How to Find Your Passion (If Your Passion Isn't Your Product!)

How to Find Your Passion (If Your Passion Isn't Your Product!)

Jonathan Barnett launched Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning as a way to support his true passions in life. But he found that supporting his employees is his greatest achievement.
Hayden Field | 4 min read

Disclaimer

The Franchise 500 is not intended to endorse, advertise, or recommend any particular franchise. It is solely a research tool you can use to compare franchise operations. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing money in a franchise.
Updated: September 13th, 2019
Reprints & Licensing Update Your Listing Submit New Listing