Logo of Sonic, an American drive-in restaurant franchise.

Invest in a SONICDrive-In Burger Franchise

Invest in the classic drive-in burger franchise that is leading the charge in the QSR industry.
For a limited time only, the SONIC franchise is offering new franchisees as little as 1% royalties for the first 12 months!
Limited time only!
INVEST TODAY!

Why

SONIC?

Welcome to the world of SONIC, where we're rewriting the rules of the QSR industry! With each passing year, we're making waves and transforming the game, thanks to our commitment to boosting franchisee success!

Invest in Your SONIC Restaurant and Enjoy…
  • A Menu Guests Love: Give the people what they want, any time of day or night, with a menu that satisfies all ages.
  • Industry Leading Technology: You can count on the very latest in QSR technology to run your restaurants and stay ahead of the competition.
  • A Recession-Resistant Business Model: Our affordable price points mean a resilient model that is perfect no matter what’s going on in the economy.

When it comes to the best burger franchises, SONIC stands head and shoulders above the rest, no doubt about it.

So, what's our secret recipe for success?

It's actually pretty simple: we put people first. We're always tuned in to the wants and needs of our amazing guests and listen carefully to the valuable feedback from our franchisees. This helps us fine-tune our strategy and make smart adjustments that will drive our growth for many years to come. We’re all about creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Why SONIC?
Drive-in restaurant franchise meal with a double cheeseburger, fries, onion rings, chicken nuggets, and assorted beverages.
Waitress on roller skates serving fast food from a drive-in restaurant franchise.

Our

Franchise Opportunity

Looking for the best burger franchise opportunities? Look no further than SONIC, the fast-food chain that has been a mainstay of American culture for over 65 years. SONIC's enduring success can be attributed to our ability to balance tradition with innovation, ensuring that our concept remains as relevant today as it was when we first opened our doors.

At SONIC, we understand the importance of building on our legacy while still pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

That’s why we’ve consistently been at the forefront of the fast-food industry, pioneering new menu items and innovative marketing campaigns to keep our guests coming back for more.

Designed for Anywhere

We offer store designs to fit almost any location, with real estate and construction experts ready to assist in development and build-out.
Customers enjoying food and beverages at the outdoor seating area of a Sonic drive-in franchise restaurant on a sunny day.

Traditional Restaurants:

Freestanding, end-cap, or in-line options.
Customers at the counter of a brightly colored drive-in restaurant franchise with a queueing area marked by stanchions.

Non-Traditional Restaurants:

Airports, stadiums, colleges and universities, and more!

Multi-Unit

Opportunities

Are you a seasoned investor searching for exciting and distinctive quick-service restaurant concepts to expand your portfolio?

Becoming a part of the SONIC family gets you access to multi-unit burger franchise opportunities that offer a range of advantages and time-limited incentives. Owning multiple SONIC restaurant franchises can mean…

  • Shared resources 
  • Broader market presence
  • Better bottom line
  • More room for growth
Multi-Unit Opportunities

Our Investment Costs

At SONIC, we are proud to offer a great deal of transparency around our investment costs.

This is because we believe that our franchisees’ potential is our potential, and a solid franchisor-franchisee relationship is built on a foundation of understanding and trust.

For more details, please see the current SONIC FDD issued March 24, 2023, as amended May 24, 2023.

See Full BreakdownPromotional banner highlighting current special offers at our drive-in restaurant franchise.

Initial Franchise Fee:

$30,000of the $45,000
Initial License Fee Credited via Royalty

Royalties

1%-5% (Limited Time Only -
Please Review FDD for Details

Advertising Fee

3.25% (Minimum) (New Franchisees may pay temporary reduced Advertising Fees)

Total Investment Range

$1,714,200 - $3,370,900*
* Does not include Real Estate Expenses
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BEST-IN-CLASS

Training and Support

As a new SONIC franchisee, you can expect to undergo eight weeks of intensive preopening training that will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to run your restaurant successfully. This comprehensive training covers everything and includes…

  • How to manage day-to-day operations
  • How to leverage important vendor relationships
  • How to make the most of our technology
  • Where and how to hire friendly staff
  • How to market your franchise
  • And so much more…

In addition to this initial training, franchisees also have access to ongoing support from our experienced team, who are always on hand to provide guidance and assistance whenever it’s needed. With this level of training and support, SONIC franchisees are well-prepared to build a thriving business and deliver an exceptional dining experience to their guests.

Learn More

STEPS TO

Ownership

Opening a SONIC drive-in franchise has never been more simple!
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Inquire online
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Interview with the franchise development team
Drive-in restaurant franchise featuring a beverage cup with a straw and a candy or bow accent.
Review FDD
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Submit the franchise application form
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Attend Discovery Day
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Sign your franchise agreement and submit your franchise fee
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Begin site selection
A stylized representation of a hamburger with two lines symbolizing the patty and bun, typical of a drive-in restaurant franchise, and a straw or skewer on top.
Complete training
Drive-in restaurant franchise featuring a beverage cup with a straw and a candy or bow accent.
Grand Opening

Available

Territories

Interested in opening a SONIC restaurant in your home state? Check our interactive territories map!
Interested in opening a SONIC restaurant in your home state? Get in touch today to learn more about our Available Territories!
Available Territories
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A sonic drive-in restaurant franchise sign on a pole against a clear sky.
Ready to take the next step?
Get in touch with SONIC to take advantage of our franchising opportunity and join our family of franchisees.
YOUR INFORMATION

FAQs

Keen to learn more about the SONIC franchise? Check out our FAQs!
FAQs
Black and white logo of a drive-in restaurant franchise.
Sonic drive-in restaurant franchise logo.

This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you are a resident of or want to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state.

(#)* Average Gross Sales for total of Company Drive-Ins and Franchise Drive-Ins for 2022 as reported in our FDD issued March 24, 2023, as amended May 24, 2023. 1,523 (or 44%) of the Total Company Drive-Ins and Franchise Drive-Ins (3,452) attained or exceeded this average during 2022. Some restaurants have sold or earned this amount. Your individual results may differ. There is no assurance that you’ll sell or earn as much. See our FDD for more information.

Arby's: Arby's is a well-known sandwich chain franchise opportunity. Renowned for its roast beef sandwiches and diverse menu options, Arby's provides franchisees with a chance to cater to customers seeking hearty and flavorful sandwiches.Baskin Robbins: Baskin Robbins is a franchise opportunity focused on ice cream and frozen desserts. With its wide variety of flavors and a history of innovation, Baskin Robbins provides a sweet and refreshing option for individuals interested in the dessert industry.Drive-in restaurant franchise logo featuring a stylized horse within a circular border.Logo of Buffalo Wild Wings drive-in restaurant franchise features a silhouette of a buffalo and the brand name in capital letters. Dunkin's: Dunkin's is a well-known franchise opportunity that specializes in coffee and baked goods. With a strong brand presence and a diverse menu, Dunkin's offers a popular choice for entrepreneurs looking to enter the fast-food industry.Invest in Sonic Drive-in, the leading QSR franchise that sets the pace for success in the industry.
© 2023 AMERICA’S DRIVE-IN BRAND PROPERTIES LLC
Logo of Inspire Brands, a drive-in restaurant franchise, featuring a fork, knife, and spoon arranged to spell out "inspire.Logo of Sonic, an American drive-in restaurant franchise.

This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you are a resident of or want to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state.

COPYRIGHT ©2023 SONIC, INC.
INSPIRE BRANDS IS A TRADEMARK OF INSPIRE BRANDS INC.

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