Company Spotlight

In 1953, the prototype of the first SONIC® Drive-In® opened in Shawnee, Okla. Back then, SONIC revolutionized the ordering process by using curbside speakers that allowed customers to place food orders without ever leaving their cars. This technology spawned the slogan “Service at the Speed of Sound™,” which translated to one word: SONIC. Troy Smith Sr. aptly changed the name from Top Hat to SONIC Drive-In in 1959.

With a dynamic history, SONIC surges forward while specializing in fresh, made-to-order meals that you can’t get anywhere else. SONIC’s menu is unique, just like the 3 million customers who order from our drive-ins each day. Nowhere else can you order from a customizable menu featuring Footlong Quarter Pound Coneys (hot dogs with chili and cheese), TOASTER® sandwiches (sandwiches served on thick Texas toast) and handmade Onion Rings that are sliced, breaded and cooked fresh every day in every drive-in. Also, don’t forget to top your meal off with dessert: it’s the SONIC way. Classics like our hand-mixed Shakes are made with Real Ice Cream® and come in a variety of flavors. No trip to SONIC would be complete without a drink featuring our beloved craveable ice. As your Ultimate Drink Stop® with more than 1 million fountain drink and slush combinations, you can’t go wrong.

Diversity

SONIC is the American Dream

SONIC^®, America’s Drive-In^®, was the vision of one man who began building his American dream in 1953. For the past 64 years, SONIC has helped countless women and men from all walks of life create their American dream as franchisees, employees for the corporation or for the drive-ins, or supply partners.

Like America, SONIC has grown over the years thanks to a diversity of thought and diversity of people who propelled the brand forward. Even with this growth, we can do better to grow diversity and inclusion at SONIC to better represent the communities in which we operate.

At SONIC, we believe that diversity makes us stronger and that the inclusion of different people, thoughts and ideas make our business better. We embrace the unique perspective, talent and spirit of everyone engaged in our work. We are committed to building diversity and inclusion into all aspects of our work and embracing the cognitive diversity that results from sharing different viewpoints.

Limeades for Learning

While the corporate office focuses on supporting youth through education and arts opportunities within the state of Oklahoma, the SONIC system bands together through Limeades for Learning®, a nationwide cause branding initiative, to provide essential and innovative learning materials to public school classrooms across the country in partnership with DonorsChoose.org. Through the award winning initiative, SONIC and our franchise partners have donated more than $5 million to public school classrooms in local communities nationwide.