Prospective candidates must meet the financial requirements of having a minimum liquid capital of $500,000 and a net worth of at least $1,000,000 to initiate the opening of one to two units. It's important to note that the SONIC Drive-In franchise primarily focuses on multi-unit opportunities. Please keep in mind that the minimum financial qualifications for additional units will be subject to an increase.

Prospective candidates are required to meet specific financial qualifications for franchise ownership, as well as possess essential qualities that contribute to their ability to develop successful businesses. We are actively seeking individuals with a sales-oriented mindset, prior experience in franchise operations or ownership, a solid grasp of business principles, and a genuine connection to their local communities.

See the incentives flyer HERE for additional information.

For a traditional SONIC restaurant, the license fee is set at $45,000, and the initial investment required falls within the range of $1,714,200 and $3,370,900 (excluding real estate costs). On the other hand, a non-traditional SONIC restaurant carries a license fee of $22,500, with the total initial investment falling between $699,200 and $1,390,900 (excluding real estate costs).

SONIC provides the flexibility of both traditional and non-traditional license agreements. A traditional license has a term of 20 years, and franchisees have the option to renew for an additional 10 years. On the other hand, non-traditional license agreements have a term ranging from five to 10 years, with a five-year renewal option available to franchisees.

It depends on the market. We offer single-store and multi-unit opportunities.

Yes. Either you or the operating partner must reside in the market in which you operate.

Typically, a SONIC Drive-In establishment employs approximately 25 individuals, comprising both full-time and part-time workers. The management team typically includes a manager and two assistant managers.

At SONIC, we do not provide direct or indirect financing and cannot guarantee your note, lease, or any other financial obligations. However, we do maintain a preferred list of lenders who have experience working with our franchisees. It's worth noting that SONIC is listed on the Franchise Registry as a Small Business Administration (SBA) Approved Franchise, which can potentially open up financing opportunities through the SBA.

The net profit of each store can vary based on factors such as size, location, your business acumen, and your efforts. For detailed financial performance information, refer to Item 19 of our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). To access the FDD, kindly register on our website and have a conversation with one of our franchise development team members. They will be able to provide you with the necessary documentation and further insights.

On average, the process of securing a site for your SONIC Drive-In franchise takes approximately six to eight months. Once the site selection phase is finalized and construction and build-out activities commence, the typical timeline to open your franchise is around 90 days. Please note that these time frames are provided as general estimates and can vary depending on various factors and circumstances.

SONIC provides a comprehensive 12-week training program designed to ensure your success. This training program consists of eight weeks of restaurant training, three weeks dedicated to new store openings, and one week of classroom training. It is essential to have your general manager in place and fully trained prior to your grand opening. As part of our training process, all SONIC general managers undergo certification at a designated training store, ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge to lead your franchise to success.

• A comprehensive operations/field training program 
• HR training program — Retention tools and resources such as access to online hiring & management system tools, online/on-site recruitment materials, and onboarding/performance management tools 
• Staff selection training — Training on how to attract, select, and hire the right applicants 
• Ongoing support from experienced operations, marketing, and real estate professionals 
• A national purchasing program to provide efficiencies and optimize economies of scale 
• Product innovation and insight teams that create and track products our customers crave 
• Architectural, construction, and engineering consultation and assistance 
• National media coverage via one of the most successful year-round national advertising campaigns in the quick-service restaurant industry 
• Marketing materials such as radio and TV commercials, newspaper ads, direct mail, coupon books, promotional posters, and signage that can be customized for your location

A significant factor contributing to the success of many SONIC franchisees is their strong commitment to their local communities. Beyond offering great food and friendly service, SONIC's heritage is deeply rooted in community engagement. For our burger franchise operators, community involvement is not merely a sales tactic or a public relations strategy but a genuine desire to be a good neighbor and make a positive impact.

Our franchisees actively engage in various community initiatives, such as promoting literacy among young children through awards and incentives, supporting educational endeavors to encourage students to stay in school, organizing fundraisers for school projects, and providing assistance for local community events. By actively participating in these activities, SONIC operators aim to contribute positively to their communities and foster meaningful connections with their neighbors.

For over 15 years, SONIC has been dedicated to supporting education and creating opportunities for youth in Oklahoma aged 4 to 22 through its community-giving programs. As an extension of our commitment to education, we conduct our largest annual fundraising campaign, known as Limeades for Learning, each fall. This initiative aims to provide support for teachers' projects nationwide, helping to enhance educational experiences and empower students across the country. Through Limeades for Learning, SONIC continues to make a significant impact in advancing education and fostering a brighter future for students.