When people think of drive-ins, they usually think of Sonic. Sonic Drive-Ins are one of the few chain drive-ins that have been able to stand the test of time. But, it wasn’t always like this. There was a time when Sonic Drive-Ins almost failed. There was even a time when they weren’t called Sonic Drive-Ins. Where did it all begin? How did Sonic Drive-Ins go from one small town to becoming a nation wide success?
Facts About Sonic Drive-In #1: Founded in 1953
In a small town in Oklahoma, Troy Smith would start what would become America’s Drive-In. While his heart was set on owning a steakhouse, it would be a small root beer stand that would prove to be his success. In fact, that root beer stand would become America’s Drive-In.
Facts About Sonic Drive-In #2: Originally Called The Top Hat
Sonic was originally called the Top Hat. In fact, Troy Smith opened a few restaurants called the Top Hat, but the name was already taken. Along with his new partner Charlie Pappe, the two had created the slogan “Service With the Speed of Sound”. Knowing that they had to change the name of their restaurant, they searched the dictionary and found the perfect name. Sonic was so perfect because the definition for the word is “speed of sound”.
Facts About Sonic Drive-In #3: One of the Few Drive-In Chains Left
People now want food faster than the speed of sound. That’s why so many people turn to fast food restaurants. This meant that many drive-in restaurants failed. But, Sonic Drive-Ins were able to make changes while still keeping the drive-in part of their business. In fact, at many Sonic Drive-In locations people can choose to park or go through the drive thru portion of the restaurant.
Facts About Sonic Drive-In #4: The First Commercial Was Aired in 1977
It took 24 years for the first commercial for Sonic Drive-Ins to hit the air. But, the fact is, Sonic really didn’t need advertisements. At one time they were doing just fine without them.
Facts About Sonic Drive-In #5: More Than 800 Restaurants Opened in 5 Years
During the years of 1973 and 1978 Sonic Drive-Ins would grow in size. In fact, 800 restaurants were added in just 5 years. The 70s were truly a successful decade for Sonic Drive-Ins. Unfortunately, the 80s wouldn’t be as successful.
Facts About Sonic Drive-In #6: The 80s Were Filled With Problems
Many of the Sonic Drive-In locations were not company owned, this meant that the quality varied from restaurant to restaurant. While the Sonic Drive-Ins were one big company, they were being run as if they weren’t. This would prove to cause problems for the company. In fact, the company was losing $300,000.
Facts About Sonic Drive-In #7: $64 Million in Media Expenses
Luckily, Sonic Drive-In was able to make some changes and fix the problems they had before it was too late. During this time they also decided to increase their commercials. While they did spend $64 million in media expenses it would prove to be very successful. In fact, during that same year their market value would become $600,000,000.
Facts About Sonic Drive-In #8: 3000th Restaurant Opened in 2005
In 2005, Sonic-Drive In opened their 3000th restaurant. This is pretty impressive when you consider that Sonic only operates in America and Mexico. Other chains usually have restaurants all over the world. This is why Sonic is America’s Drive-In.
