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LAST UPDATED:&nbsp;September 2024FRANCHISE WEBSITE:&nbsp;<a href="https://sonicfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-sonic-drive-in-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722474" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://sonicfranchising.com/</a>&nbsp;NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 3,500+&nbsp;REPORTED COST TO GET IN:&nbsp;$1,714,200 - $3,370,900REPORTED AVERAGE REVENUE:&nbsp;$1,609,000<a href="https://sonicfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-sonic-drive-in-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722474" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sonic Drive-In</a> is an American drive-in fast-food restaurant franchise that is known for its retro theme, with customers ordering food from their cars and having it delivered by carhops. The menu includes a variety of items such as hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and breakfast items, along with a wide selection of drinks, including signature Slushes and milkshakes.The franchise is a subsidiary of&nbsp;<a href="https://inspirebrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-sonic-drive-in-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722474" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Inspire Brands</a>, which also owns other popular chains like Arby's and Buffalo Wild Wings.<h3>How Many Sonic Drive-In Locations Are There?&nbsp;</h3>Founded in 1953 by Troy Smith, the first Sonic location was in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Today, there are over 3,500 locations around the United States.<h3>What Is the Sonic Drive-In Business Model?</h3>Key features of the Sonic Drive-In business model include:Drive-In Service: Customers order from their parked cars and have their food delivered by carhops, often on roller skates, enhancing the nostalgic and personalized service experience. Each parking stall is equipped with an intercom system where customers can place orders directly from their vehicles.Diverse Menu Offerings:&nbsp;Sonic is famous for its wide variety of customizable drink combinations, including Slushes, milkshakes and flavored soft drinks. The food menu includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack items available all day, allowing customers to order any item at any time.Operational Efficiency:&nbsp;The drive-in format reduces the need for large dining areas and extensive interior space, lowering real estate and operational costs. Additionally, Sonic places emphasis on quick service and efficient food preparation to cater to on-the-go customers.Support for Franchisees:&nbsp;Sonic offers comprehensive support systems for franchisees, including training, marketing assistance and operational guidance.Nostalgic Experience:&nbsp;The brand’s nostalgic 1950s drive-in theme appeals to a wide range of customers, from those seeking a nostalgic experience to new generations looking for something unique.<h3>How Much Can Sonic Drive-In Franchise Owners Make?</h3>In 2022, the average revenue per standard unit was $1,609,000, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://sonicfranchising.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Sonic-05-2023-Amended-FDD.pdf?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-sonic-drive-in-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722474" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">2023 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)</a>.&nbsp;<h3>How Much Does It Cost To Open a Sonic Drive-In Franchise?</h3>The initial investment required to open a Sonic Drive-In location ranges from $1,714,200 to $3,370,900. Other fees include:&nbsp;<ul><li>Royalty Fee: 5% of gross sales.</li><li>Advertising Fee: 3.25% (minimum) of gross sales.</li><li>Brand Fee: 0.9% of gross sales.</li><li>Technology Fee: 0.25% of gross sales.</li></ul><h3>What Is the Franchise Fee for Sonic Drive-In?</h3>The franchise fee is $45,000, which is due at the signing of the license agreement.<h3>Who’s on Sonic Drive-In’s Leadership Team (Inspire Brands)?</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brownpaulj/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-sonic-drive-in-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722474" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Paul Brown - CEO</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-jaspon-2b22064/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-sonic-drive-in-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722474" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kate Jaspon - Chief Financial Officer</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-murphy-0441743/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-sonic-drive-in-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722474" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Scott Murphy - Chief Brand Officer</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/danmlynn/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-sonic-drive-in-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722474" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dan Lynn - Chief Commercial and Restaurant Officer</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-charnaux-05a418/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-sonic-drive-in-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722474" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Christian Charnaux - Chief Growth Officer</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-rothman-21965855/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-sonic-drive-in-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722474" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Natalie Rothman - Chief People Officer</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kelly-b48426b/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-sonic-drive-in-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722474" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">John Kelly - President, Inspire Company Restaurants</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-taylor-735b0026a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-sonic-drive-in-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722474" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jim Taylor - Brand President, Sonic</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-maceda-9a995a53/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-sonic-drive-in-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722474" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jason Maceda - Chief Development Officer</a></li></ul><h3>What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About Sonic Drive-In?</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/sonic-drive-in/282811?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-sonic-drive-in-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722474" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Start a Sonic Drive-In Franchise in 2024</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/inspire-brands-acquires-sonic-2707951">Inspire Brands Acquires Sonic</a></li><li><a href="https://www.franchisehelp.com/franchises/sonic-drive-in/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-sonic-drive-in-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722474" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">SONIC Drive In Franchise Cost &amp; Opportunities 2024</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ifpg.org/top-franchises/sonic?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-sonic-drive-in-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722474" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">SONIC Franchise Cost and Requirements for 2024</a></li><li><a href="https://sonicfranchising.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Sonic-05-2023-Amended-FDD.pdf?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-sonic-drive-in-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722474" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sonic Drive-In Franchise Disclosure Document (2023)</a></li></ul>Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.&nbsp;Check out these three 1851 brands:<h4><a href="https://1851franchise.com/pollocampero/info">Pollo Campero*</a></h4><ul><li><a href="https://camperofranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-sonic-drive-in-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722474" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Franchise Development Page</a></li><li>Number of Open Locations (as of September 2024): 350</li><li>Investment Range: $1,287,250 - $2,491,500</li></ul><h4><a href="https://1851franchise.com/famousdaves/info">Famous Dave&#x2019;s*</a></h4><ul><li><a href="https://www.famousdaves.com/FranchiseOpportunities//?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-sonic-drive-in-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722474" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Franchise Development Page</a></li><li>Number of Open Locations (as of September 2024): 100+</li><li>Investment Range: $1,316,250 - $2,920,750</li></ul><h4><a href="https://1851franchise.com/meltingpot/info">The Melting Pot</a></h4><ul><li><a href="https://meltingpotfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-sonic-drive-in-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722474" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Franchise Development Page</a></li><li>Number of Open Locations (as of September 2024): 25&nbsp;</li><li>Investment Range: $1,594,286 - $3,720,152</li></ul>Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-sonic-drive-in-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722474" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.

Franchise Deep Dive: Sonic Drive-In Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

1851 Franchise

Sonic Drive-In offers a unique franchise opportunity with its diverse menu, efficient operational model and strong support system, making it appealing to both customers and franchisees.

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