FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES
Sonic Drive-In Franchise
What Is A Sonic Franchise?
We offer an innovative, one-of-a-kind QSR franchise concept that is growing
SONIC® is America’s drive-in, serving more than 3 million customers a day at over 3,500 locations nationwide. We’re an iconic brand with a rich heritage that encompasses 60 years; we believe in excellent customer service and developing core relationships with our customers and the communities in which we operate.
What are the Startup Costs for SONIC?
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 franchise fee for a single unit is $45,000, with a total estimated SONIC franchise cost ranging from $865,000 to $3.64 million (excluding land). The net worth of a partner can be used toward the total net worth/liquidity requirements. The term of a traditional SONIC franchise is 20 years, plus a 10-year renewal.
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 12 months 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.
| 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 (please see Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details).
| 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 | $44,000 | $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 |
$42,000 | $179,000 |
| Insurance Premiums | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| Additional Funds (Three Months) |
$5,000 | $10,000 |
| Miscellaneous Pre-Opening Costs | $5,000 | $58,300 |
| Land | Variable | Variable |
| Building and Site Work | $480,000 | $2,396,000 |
| Restaurant Equipment | $5,000 | $350,000 |
| Point of Sale System (POS) and Digital Menu Housings (POPS) | $124,000 | $140,000 |
| Sonic Sign | $12,000 | $35,000 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (plus land costs) |
$865,000 | $3,641,300 |
| Optional – Indoor Seating | $125,000 | $275,000 |
To request a copy of our FDD, please request franchise information by completing the form on this page.
Franchisee experience needed
- Restaurant background required by at least one operating partner and multi-unit experience preferred
- Ability to develop, lead and inspire a management team
- Strong entrepreneurial skills
- Active in community
- Retail sales
Sonic Drive-In franchise is currently not available at America’s Best Franchises.
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