Who we are

Sonic is a chain of quick-serve restaurants known for ice cream, shakes, slushies and hot dogs. The chain uses a five-daypart strategy: strong breakfast, lunch, afternoon, dinner and evening. One reason for this approach is that almost 40 percent of its profits derive from ice cream, shakes, slushes and drinks. Many of its customers visit during after-school hours.

Sonic has several franchise models. There’s the traditional drive-in franchise with 10 to 24 drive-in stalls and patio seating. It is popular in warmer climates. Another option is the indoor dining model focused on cold-weather states such as New York. This model features indoor dining rooms, patio seating and drive-through lanes. Sonic also does locations at travel plazas. They usually take the form of endcaps with no drive-in stalls. You can also find counter-service locations in airports and other busy areas. Sonic can also convert existing buildings into models that work for the situation.

Why choose Sonic?

Sonic is a good choice for several reasons. First, it gives franchisees extensive support. It has high requirements and expectations, and if you’re selected to open one (or several) units, you can count on a good amount of quality assistance in areas such as strategy, technology, innovation, advertising power and operational excellence. Also interesting is the fact that you can open nontraditional locations in airports, college campuses and small towns. There are various franchise models to meet your needs and budgets. The required liquid capital and net worth amounts are on the high end, but you can include your business partner’s assets in the figures.

Sonic has its roots in the 1950s, but it is a forward-looking company. To that end, it invests wisely in technology. For example, it offers mobile ordering and is working on tailoring messages, specials and promotions to specific people.

Who we're looking for

Sonic is specific about who it’d like to see apply for franchises. Namely, the company seeks business owners with multi-unit franchises already under their belts and who have robust levels of liquidity and net worth. It asks for the following: franchisee experience, multi-unit experience preferred, restaurant background for at least one operating partner, management and entrepreneurial skills, community involvement and retail sales experience.

Other than that, President Claudia San Pedro says, “We are looking for franchisees who want to be part of a family-oriented culture with a can-do entrepreneurial attitude.”

Training and Support

Sonic's training program includes an extensive training platform and ongoing education.