What makes SONIC different from other franchise opportunities?
A big part of the SONIC difference is the belief that “owners make better operators.” In fact, SONIC franchisees enjoy one of the most successful businesses and one of the lowest turnover ratios in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) franchise industry, with unparalleled opportunities for personal success.
Satisfied customers are one of the best measures of a company’s success, and SONIC maintains one of the highest customer frequency rates in the industry. For two years in a row, we have received the overall Gold Winner for the burger division of Restaurants & Institutions’ Annual Choice in Chains Award.
Of course, the SONIC Drive-In itself makes a huge difference. Here are just a few ways:
- Drive-In Concept
- Customers can park their cars and order without waiting in a busy drive-thru line.
- Customers order from their cars. There’s no need to walk up to the counter thanks to the intercom, and the canopy provides shade and weather protection.
- Great Service
- Carhops deliver food straight to every customer’s car.
- Great Food
- Hot, fresh food is made-to-order and whatever way customers want it — with extra jalapenos, pickles, chili, etc.
- Unique Menu Items
- The Extra-Long Cheese Coney, Steak Sandwich, Tater Tots, Onion Rings, Toaster Sandwiches, Ched ‘R’ Peppers and Mozzarella Sticks are distinctively different SONIC menu items that customers crave
Fountain Favorites
SONIC is known for its Cherry Limeades, Ocean Water drinks and fresh fruit Slushes.
Frozen Favorites
Many customers specifically drive to SONIC for a Banana Split or Premi-YUM! shakes like our award-winning Cream Pie Shakes and Chocolate-Covered Shakes, Floats and CreamSlush treats, SONIC Blast desserts, cones and dishes.
Most of SONIC’s new menu creations are pioneered by entrepreneurial franchisees. This was the case with SONIC’s highly successful Frozen Favorites dessert menu expansion in 1996. This spirit of cooperation has only been reinforced by the success it has afforded all of us.
Growth opportunities for SONIC are significant:
- Average unit sales have increased each year since 1987.
- System-wide sales have increased 68% over the past five years
- Hamburgers are the largest segment of the QSR, with annual sales of about $40 billion, and faster-growing revenues than any other segment