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The following franchise investment and requirements will help you succeed with a SONIC franchise.

Ready to see if you have what it takes to own a SONIC franchise? Learn if your personality and qualifications match what we’re looking for.

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We’re Looking for Franchisees That Fit in By Standing Out

SONIC franchisees are anything but average. They’re business-savvy leaders with genuine passion for our brand and restaurant-specific experience. Whether they grew up eating our famous coneys or worked as a car hop when they were young, they know better than anyone what it means to be America’s favorite drive-in.

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Learn More About the Financial Investment

View our minimum financial qualifications for traditional and non-traditional restaurants to determine if SONIC Drive-In is the right fit for you.  

Sonic Food

INVESTMENTS

Franchise fee
$30,000

of the $45,000 Initial License Fee

Credited via Royalty

ROYALTY
0-5  %

Limited time, please review

FDD for complete details.

store size
1100-1700 sq.ft.
INVESTMENT RANGE
$1.24-$3.53M

frequently asked questions

What are the financial qualifications needed to franchise with SONIC?

Candidates will need $500,000 in liquid capital and a minimum net worth of $1,000,000 to open 1-2 units. Keep in mind, the SONIC Drive-In franchise is primarily a multi-unit opportunity. Minimum financial qualifications for additional units will increase. 

What qualities is SONIC looking for in a franchisee?

Candidates must meet the financial qualifications for ownership and display key qualities that will help them build their business. We’re looking for owners who are sales-oriented with franchise operations or ownership experience, strong business acumen, and a connection to their communities. 

How much does it cost to open a traditional SONIC?

The license fee for a traditional SONIC restaurant is $45,000, with a total investment ranging from $1,242,200 to $3,537,700 (excluding land). The license fee for a non-traditional SONIC restaurant is $22,500, with a total investment ranging from $361,900 to $978,700 (excluding land). 

What types of agreements does SONIC offer?

SONIC offers both a traditional and non-traditional license agreements. The term of a traditional license is 20 years with a 10-year renewal option. The term of a non-traditional license agreement ranges from 5 to 10 years, plus a 5-year renewal option. 

Does SONIC designate franchise territories by location or by area?

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

Am I required to reside in or near the area I’m interested in developing?

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

How many employees do I need?

A SONIC Drive-In generally employs about 25 individuals, including full-time and part-time workers. Management staff consists of the manager and two assistant managers. 

Does SONIC offer financing? 

SONIC does not offer direct or indirect financing and will not guarantee your note, lease, or other obligation. SONIC maintains a preferred list of lenders. We are listed on the Franchise Registry list as an approved SBA-Franchise. 

How much money will I make? 

The net profit for each store may vary depending upon size, location as well as your business ability and efforts. Financial performance representations can be found in Item 19 of our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). This document will be provided to you once you register on our website and speak with one of our franchise development team members. 

How long does it take to open a restaurant?

It typically takes six to eight months to secure a site. Once site selection is complete and construction and build-out begin, it takes an average of 90 days to open your SONIC Drive-In franchise. 

What type of training does SONIC offer?

SONIC offers a 12-week training program that includes 8 weeks of restaurant training, 3 weeks at new store openings, and 1 week of classroom training. Prior to your grand opening, your general manager must be in place and fully trained. All SONIC general managers are certified at a certified training store. 

What kind of support does SONIC provide?
  • A comprehensive operations/field training program 
  • HR training program — Retention tools and resources such as access to online hiring & management system tools, online/onsite 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 QSR 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 
How important is community involvement?

Some of our most successful SONIC franchisees are deeply invested in their local communities. SONIC’s heritage was not only founded on great food and friendly service, but also steeped in being part of the community. It’s not just the right thing to do; it’s good business.  

 

SONIC operators don’t consider community involvement a sales gimmick or a public-relations ploy. They see it as a way to be a good neighbor and to have a positive impact on their communities. Their efforts may include awards to encourage young children to read and incentives to keep older children in school. They also might provide opportunities for fundraisers for school projects or other means of assistance for events in the community. 

How does SONIC support community initiatives and philanthropic efforts on a corporate level?

For more than 15 years, SONIC’s community giving programs have been geared toward advancing education and educational opportunities for Oklahoma youth ages 4-22. To further extend our commitment to education, each fall SONIC conducts its largest annual fundraising effort supporting teachers’ projects across the nationLimeades for Learning. 

STAY UP TO DATE

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GET IN TOUCH WITH SONIC

For a limited time, we are offering significant incentives for new store development commitments for 2022–2025. To receive more information, please fill out the form below