What are the Startup Costs?
Franchisees can invest in a strong, growing brand
What does it take to become a SONIC® franchisee? We are looking for passionate business owners, preferably those who have multi-unit franchise or business experience, as well as strong liquidity and net worth. We work closely with franchisees throughout the startup process to ensure their lifelong success with the brand.
The license fee for a traditional Sonic restaurant is $45,000, with a total investment ranging from $1.24 million to $3.53 million (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). The net worth of a partner can be used toward the total net worth/liquidity requirements. The term of a SONIC franchise ranges from 10 to 20 years, plus a 10-year renewal option.
It typically takes six to eight months to get a SONIC site secured. Once the site selection is complete and construction and build-out of your SONIC restaurant begins, it takes an average of 100 days to open your SONIC location, depending on the area.
SONIC’s corporate office has a full support team and services available to franchisees, such as helpful demographic data and in-depth site analytics, to make the entire site selection and construction process as smooth and profitable as possible for franchisees.
Financial Requirements
| Liquidity | Net Worth | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 2 Units | $500,000** | $1 Million |
| 3+ Units | $1.0 Million | $2 Million |
| Partnerships may be used to qualify. |
Your Estimated Initial Investment for a Traditional SONIC Drive-In (please see Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details). Costs listed are both highs and lows based on averages and can vary greatly depending on the market in which development takes place.
| Type of Expenditure | Estimated Low (USD) | Estimated High (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $45,000 | $45,000 |
| Payroll | $56,000 | $137,500 |
| Training, travel and Living Expenses while Training |
$5,000 | $33,500 |
| A-Team Trainers | $48,000 | $92,000 |
| Advertising Funds | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Beginning Inventory | $30,000 | $140,000 |
| Security Deposits, impact fees for utilities, utility deposits, business license and other prepaid expenses |
$2,000 | $250,000 |
| Insurance Premiums | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| Additional Funds (Three Months) |
$5,000 | $25,000 |
| Miscellaneous Pre-Opening Costs | $5,000 | $58,300 |
| Land | Variable | Variable |
| Building and Site Work | $750,000 | 2,300,000 |
| Restaurant Equipment | $175,000 | $260,000 |
| Point of Sale System (POS) and Digital Menu Housings (POPS) | $84,200 | $136,400 |
| Sonic Sign | $25,000 | $35,000 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (excluding land costs) |
$1,242,200 | $3,537,700 |
| Optional - Indoor Seating | $125,000 | $220,000 |
Your Estimated Initial Investment for a Non-Traditional SONIC Drive-In (please see Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details). Costs listed are both highs and lows based on averages and can vary greatly depending on the market in which development takes place.
| Type of Expenditure | Estimated Low ($) | Estimated High ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $22,500 | $22,500 |
| Payroll | $56,000 | $137,500 |
| Training, travel and Living Expenses while Training |
$5,000 | $33,500 |
| A-Team Trainers | $48,000 | $92,000 |
| Advertising Funds | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Beginning Inventory | $30,000 | $140,000 |
| Security Deposits, impact fees for utilities, utility deposits, business license and other prepaid expenses |
0 | $7,500 |
| Insurance Premiums | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| Additional Funds (Three Months) |
$5,000 | $25,000 |
| Miscellaneous Pre-Opening Costs | $5,000 | $58,300 |
| Real Estate Rent | $15,000 | $48,000 |
| Improvements | 0 | $150,000 |
| Equipment | $120,000 | $185,000 |
| Point of Sale System (POS) and other Technology | $43,400 | $54,400 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT |
$361,900 | $978,700 |
To request a copy of our FDD, please request franchise information by completing the form on this page.
If you want to learn more about the SONIC franchise costs, your specific investment and to understand if you qualify, start a conversation with us by filling out the request information form on this page or calling us at 866-387-1880.
