Franchise with SONIC
Join the iconic leader in food and beverage innovation with more than 3,400 restaurants in 47 states.
Or franchise with any of Inspire’s brands…
Why SONIC?
With delicious drink combinations, tots, corn dogs, and smashburgers, SONIC is a fan favorite, but don’t take our word for it:
Entrepreneur Franchise 500 – #56
Top Food Franchises - #25
SONIC is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants, which is built to supercharge your growth through its shared services and powerhouse brands.
Anything is possible with SONIC
We have formats to fit any space
Inline
SONIC Inline Locations
SONIC inline locations are designed for mixed-use spaces to optimize additional real estate opportunities and leverage strong pedestrian and vehicular visibility. This format provides ultimate flexibility of size based on a variety of spaces.
Size:
- 1,500–2,000 sq ft
Ideal Locations:
- Urban areas with limited space
- Adequate traffic drivers to support SONIC’s five unique dayparts
- Heavy daytime employment
- Dense residential and apartment areas
Benefits:
- High-traffic locations
- More real estate options
Endcap
SONIC Endcap Locations
SONIC endcap locations are designed for mixed-use developments that include a drive-thru, offering high visibility with signage on multiple sides.
Size:
- 1,500–1,800 sq ft
Ideal Locations:
- Access from both sides of the street
- Traffic speed limits under 45 mph
- Major hospitals
- Sports venues and attractions
Benefits:
- High visibility with signage options on multiple sides of the building
- Allows for more real estate options while keeping drive-thru access
Small Format
SONIC Small Format Drive-Thru
SONIC’s newest innovation, the small format drive-thru, gives franchisees access to more locations, lower build costs, and quicker openings by leveraging modular or stick-built designs.
Size:
- ≈1,130 sq ft
Ideal Locations:
- Urban areas with relatively small lots
- Drive-thru prominent markets
- Retail areas with strong traffic
- Strong building and drive-thru visibility
Benefits:
- Increased four-wall economics
- Fits on ½-acre lot (≈22,000 sq ft)
Free standing
SONIC Freestanding Locations
SONIC freestanding locations are designed for the drive-in and drive-thru experience with 6–12 stalls. This format creates multiple possibilities by leveraging on-lot service and drive-thru capabilities.
Size:
- 1,600 sq ft
Ideal Locations:
- Corner or near-corner access and visibility
- Daily-use retail such as grocery-anchored centers
- Proximity to high schools
- Dense residential and apartment areas
Benefits:
- Easy entry and exit
- Meets guests’ needs for both drive-in and drive-thru
Here’s how we help
Training
& Support
Operational best practices and systems
Training programs (initial and ongoing)
Dedicated Franchise Business Consultant
Real estate optimization
Construction guidance
Marketing
& PR
National marketing and public relations
Collective media buying
Loyalty programs
Local marketing guidance
Culinary Innovation
Technology
& Innovation
Brand apps and websites
Demand generation and personalization
Restaurant technology and innovation
Supply chain
Revenue Management
Reporting platforms
With your vision and our support we can help you create the legacy you desire.
To qualify for SONIC franchise opportunities, you’ll need…
$500,000 liquid assets
$1,000,000 net worth
SONIC Franchising Fees
Development Fee:
$10,000 per restaurant
Initial Franchise Fee:
$15,000
Royalty Fee:
5%
Advertising Fee:
Minimum 3.25%
Total Initial Investment:
$669,200–$3,140,900
For more details, please see the current SONIC FDD issued March 27, 2025.
Ready to have a conversation?
What’s next?
①
Inquire
Click ‘Get Started’ and provide us with your information.
②
Discuss
Preliminary call with franchise sales team.
③
Review
Review our Franchise Disclosure Document.
④
Interview
Submit application and speak with franchise leadership team.
⑤
Sign!
Sign franchise agreement.