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You Want Everything On That?
Here are answers to questions about the traditional SONIC Drive-in franchise. Our typical drive-in layout comes with everything: canopy, intercom and, of course, Carhops.
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1. What are the SONIC franchise basics? |
- The term of a SONIC franchise is 20 years, plus a 10-year renewal.
- The franchise fee is $45,000, and the total initial investment ranges from $710,000 to $3 million.
- You must have prior or current successful restaurant experience and/or strong entrepreneurial skills.
- Royalty fees are 4 to 5 percent; advertising fees are 5.9 percent.
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2. What markets are available for franchising? |
Some of the markets available include: California (Fresno, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Ventura Counties), Connecticut, Florida (Gainesville, Orlando, Tampa), Georgia (Atlanta), Iowa (Des Moines), Kentucky (Eastern), Louisiana (New Orleans), Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota (Northern area, Mankato), Missouri (St. Louis), Nevada (Reno), New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina (Durham, Greensboro, Raleigh/Durham), Ohio (Steubenville), Rhode Island, South Carolina (Charleston, Greenville, Spartanburg), Vermont, Washington DC, West Virginia and Wyoming.
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3. Does SONIC offer financing? |
No. However, we can refer you to third-party financial institutions. |
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4. What are the minimum net worth and liquidity requirements to become a franchisee? |
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Liquidity |
Net Worth |
| 2 Stores |
$1,000,000 |
$1,000,000 |
| 3 Stores |
$1,500,000 |
$1,500,000 |
| 5+ Stores |
$2,000,000 |
$2,000,000 |
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5. How much land does a SONIC require? |
A standard layout with 24 to 36 stalls requires approximately three-fourths of an acre. |
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6. What if I don't have restaurant or retail experience? |
We require you to find an operating equity partner with restaurant experience. |
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7. Am I required to reside in or near the area I am interested in developing? |
Yes, either you or an equity operational partner needs to reside in the markets in which you operate. |
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8. Does SONIC offer a training program? |
Yes, we provide a 12-week training program that consists of eight weeks of restaurant training, three weeks at new store openings and one week of classroom training. Classroom instruction covers leadership development, restaurant management skills, food safety and overall business development. |
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9. Will SONIC assist me in finding a location? |
We provide real estate professionals to help evaluate your site and review the demographic and population mix, and referrals to professional architects to help you develop your location. |
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10. Does SONIC franchise by location or by area? |
We are only accepting franchisees who are financially and operationally qualified to open 2 or more drive-ins. |
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11. How much money will I make? |
The net profit for each store may vary depending upon size and location, and your business ability and efforts. Additionally, Financial Performance Representations can be found at Item 19 of our FDD. |
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12. What kind of franchise support can I expect from SONIC? |
- A comprehensive training program
- Ongoing support from experienced operations, marketing and real estate professionals
- Regional and national cable advertising
- A national purchasing program to help you maximize economy, efficiency and profitability
- A research and development team working to create products your customers want
- Architectural, construction and engineering assistance
- Marketing materials such as radio and TV commercials, newspaper ads, direct mail, coupon books, promotional posters and signage that can be customized for your locale
- Crew-recruiting manual and training materials
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13. What do I need to do to begin the process of becoming a SONIC franchisee? |
Complete and submit the online Request Form or call:
SONIC Franchise Sales Department (1-800-569-6656)
Write to:
SONIC Industries LLC
Franchise Sales Department
300 Johnny Bench Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
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14. What is a non-traditional SONIC franchise? |
This is a SONIC restaurant co-branded with a travel plaza, convenience store, or a SONIC in a mall, food court, hospital food court, campus dining facility, airport, grocery store, arena or military facility. These generally do not have drive-in or Carhop services. |
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