SONIC

The SONIC franchise began in 1953 as Top Hat Drive-In in Shawnee, Oklahoma, with Troy Smith Sr. as the founder. Smith Sr.  later partnered with Charlie Pappe, and they began franchising in 1959 under the name, Sonic Drive-In. The SONIC franchise's menu includes burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, tater tots, onion rings, fries, drinks, desserts and breakfast for its customers. With five-day parts, the brand keeps customers coming all day long. The brand has recently updated its logo in Spring 2020. If you are looking to franchise with an iconic brad that offers great food and a family atmosphere, then the SONIC franchise could be for you. 

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SONIC Franchise Cost and Requirements for 2024

Background

When it comes to quick service restaurants (QSRs), the competition is stiff. It is a billion dollar industry that has brands like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Chic-fil-A, and more saturating the industry with options to get customers in stores and driving through the drive thru. But the SONIC franchise differentiates itself from the competition by offering five-day parts (breakfast, lunch, afternoon, dinner, and evening) that keeps customers coming all day long. The business began in 1953 as Top Hat Drive-In in Shawnee, Oklahoma, with Troy Smith Sr. as the founder. Smith Sr. later partnered with Charlie Pappe, and they began franchising in 1959 under the name, Sonic Drive-In. The brand's menu includes burger, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, tater tots, onion rings, fries, drinks, desserts and breakfast for its customers. The brand has also redone its logo in Spring 2020. It is now includes pops of red, blue and a bit of yellow, which reminds guests that summertime is a feeling and not just a season.
The new design also pays homage to its signature beverages, with a large, brightly lit cherry placed atop the building as a nod to the more than 9 million Cherry Limeades enjoyed at the company's drive-ins across the country each year. For potential franchise owners, it is attractive the the brand offers quality food at an affordable price, making it recession-proof, and the loyalty of customers, with over 3 million people making SONIC part of their daily routine. If you are looking to open an iconic QSR with loyalty and affordable, quality food and drinks, then the SONIC franchise could be for you.

Company Details

Founded: 1953
Franchising: 1959
Canada: No
International: No

Support and Training Offered By SONIC

In terms of support and training, franchisees can expect a 12 week training program that is broken down into 8 weeks worth of restaurant training, 3 weeks at a new store opening and a week of classroom training. Additionally,  general managers are certified at a certified training store. 

2024 Franchise Requirements Needed to Own a SONIC Franchise.

What does a SONIC Franchise Cost?

SONIC franchise fees for 2024:

NON-TRADITONAL OPPORTUNTIES

FANCHISE FEE$ $22,500
ROYALTY 4%
MINIMUM NET WORTH $100 - 250K
ADVERTISING FEE 3%
INVESTMENT RANGE $362 - 979K

TRADITIONAL OPPORTUNTIES 

FRANCHISE FEE $45 000
ROYALTY 5%
MINIMUM NET WORTH $1,000,000
ADVERTISING FEE 3.25%
INVESTMENT RANGE $1.24 - $3.53 M

Is SONIC a Semi Absentee Franchise with a Passive Ownership Opportunity?

No. SONIC is not a semi absentee franchise. The owner of the franchise (the franchisee) is expected to be involved in all aspects of day-to-day operations.

Is SONIC a Home Based franchise?

No. SONIC is not a home based franchise opportunity.

What Do SONIC Franchise Owners Make?

Click here to find out how much SONIC franchisees make. SONIC offers an Item 19 in their Franchise Disclosure Document which provides financial information about select franchisees in their franchise system.

Is SONIC Looking for Franchisees in Canada?

No. SONIC franchise is not looking for Canada franchisees.

Is SONIC Looking for International franchisees?

No. SONIC franchise is not looking for International franchisees.

Where can I see SONIC's FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document)?

Buying a Franchise Guide: What is a Franchise Disclosure Document?

When evaluating a franchise opportunity, reading and understanding the current version of their FDD is a necessity. Considering the benefits of franchising, such as established brand recognition and support from the franchisor, it's important to also take into account franchise fees and franchising royalty fees. Since most franchisors are privately owned companies, the current versions of their FDDs are typically not available unless requested directly from them.

Click here to connect with a Franchise Consultant who can help you obtain a copy quickly and for free. They can also guide you through the essential franchise questions to ask, ensuring you make a well-informed decision about your investment.

Additional Information

Additional Categories

Food & Restaurants

Number of Units Open

100+ UNITS

Cash Required

More than $250,000

Passive Franchise

No

Home Based Franchise

No

Item 19 Franchise

Yes

B2B

No

Franchise Opportunities in Canada

No

International Franchise Opportunities

No

SONIC Franchises for Sale

Click Here to inquire about existing SONIC franchises for sale. We may have SONIC franchise resales. A franchise resale is an already established franchise owned by a franchisee and the franchisee is looking to sell their franchise.

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