Sonic

Sonic Drive-In is a national quick-service restaurant chain built around drive-in service, carhop culture, and a customizable menu featuring burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and signature drinks. The brand traces its roots to 1953 in Shawnee, Oklahoma, when Troy Smith opened the Top Hat Drive-In. The operation rebranded to Sonic in 1959 to align with its "Service at the Speed of Sound" positioning and to clear a trademark conflict. That identity stuck, and Sonic became closely associated with roller-skating servers, drive-thru efficiency, and the novelty of ordering from your car.

For most of its history, Sonic remained a regional powerhouse with deep roots in the South and Southwest. The company's trajectory shifted in 2018 when Inspire Brands, the parent company behind Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Dunkin', acquired Sonic. That move signaled a commitment to modernize operations and expand the brand's geographic reach beyond its traditional strongholds.

As of November 2025, Sonic operates more than 3,500 locations across 47 states. Over the past five years, the company has pursued a deliberate expansion strategy that balances its iconic drive-in format with new models suited to denser urban environments. Recent openings in New York City and other major metropolitan areas demonstrate a willingness to adapt the concept for markets where traditional drive-in real estate is scarce or prohibitively expensive. Simultaneously, the brand continues to build out suburban and rural territories where the classic carhop experience remains a draw.

Sonic's scale, established brand recognition, and format flexibility have made it an attractive tenant for landlords and developers. The company actively recruits franchisees and real estate partners to fill gaps in the Northeast, California, Florida, Texas, and urban Midwest. Its ability to operate across multiple store types—from full-service drive-ins to counter-service and delivery-focused locations—gives it relevance in both traditional strip centers and emerging urban formats. That adaptability, combined with steady consumer demand and corporate backing from a multi-brand operator, positions Sonic as a credible anchor or co-tenant in the quick-service restaurant category.