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.