Sonic Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Troy Smith Sr., the founder of the Sonic franchise, started Top Hat Drive-In in 1953 in Oklahoma, USA. Later, in 1959, with his partner, Charlie Pappe, he named the iconic brand Sonic drive-in. Sonic Menu includes delicious burgers, sandwiches, a variety of slushes, milkshakes, frozen treats, tater tots, breakfast, and hot dogs. They also offer special deals and discounts on special occasions.
There are 3,545 total Sonic drive-in locations in 46 states of the USA. Initial FRANCHISE FEE is $22,500. Sonic’s headquarter is in Atlanta, Georgia. Sonic net worth is $2.3 billion.
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Franchise Cost and Requirements for 2025
If you’re ready to open a Sonic franchise, you must review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a financial advisor. Here, we will guide you through the basic costs of opening a new franchise.
| Category | Cost/Percentage |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,000 of the $45,000 |
| Royalties | 1-5% (Limited Time Only) |
| Advertising Fee | 3.25% Minimum |
| Total Investment Range | $1,714,200 – $3,370,900* |
| Liquid Capital Required | $1,000,000 |
| Travel and Living Expenses (Training) | $8,200 – $93,600 |
| Certified Training Team Expenses | $15,200 – $42,500 |
| Prepaid Expenses | $2,000 – $125,000 |
| Building Costs | $800,000 – $1,100,000 |
| Site Work | $450,000 – $1,200,000 |
| Restaurant Equipment | $175,000 – $260,000 |
| Point-of-Sale System & Other Technology | $105,000 – $160,000 |
| External Signage | $50,000 – $150,000 |
How Long Does It Take to Open a Sonic franchise?
The time to open a new Sonic franchise varies depending on location and the franchisee’s prior experience. They also offer store designs at any location. To build trust and mutual understanding, they maintain a franchisor-franchisee relationship. Here is a general outline.
- Initial Application and Approval: 2-4 weeks
- Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) Review: 2-4 weeks
- Background Check and Credit Verification: 2-4 weeks
- Site Selection and Lease Negotiation: 4-12 weeks
- Design and Permitting: 4-12 weeks
- Construction and Equipment Installation: 12-20 weeks
- Training and Onboarding: 4-6 weeks
- Grand Opening: 1-2 weeks
Average Revenue (AUV)
You can make an average of $1,530,000 in revenue (AUV) per year from just one franchise. Here is the data taken from the Franchise Disclosure Document. Explore latest sonic jobs options available
Average Gross Sales and Median Gross Sales
(Traditional Sonic Drive-Ins and Non-Traditional Sonics)
($ in thousands)
| Number of Restaurants | Average Sales | Median Sales | Sales Range | Restaurants Beat Avg Sales | Restaurants Surpassed Ave Sales | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company Drive-Ins | 321 | 1,338 | 1,263 | 420 – 2,966 | 42% | 134 |
| Franchise Drive-Ins | 3,137 | 1,610 | 1,528 | 331 – 4,622 | 45% | 1,400 |
| Total of Company & Franchise Drive-Ins | 3,458 | 1,585 | 1,491 | 331 – 4,622 | 44% | 1,521 |
Competitors Of Sonic Drive-in
Here is a detailed overview of Sonic’s competitors, including their growth, initial fee, investment revenue, and profit.
Additional Sonic Drive-in franchise Details
Followings are essential informations related to Sonic Resturant franchise.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1953 |
| Franchising Since | 1959 |
| Sonic Drive-In Owner | Inspire Brands- |
| Units in Operation | 3,534 |
| Passive Franchise | No |
| Home-Based Franchise | No |
| Item 19 Franchise | Yes |
| Sonic resturants in Canada | No |
| Sonic International Franchises | No |
| Sonic Corp Contact Number | 1-866-657-6642 |
| Who Bought Sonic? | Inspire Brands (December 7, 2018) |
Why Invest in a Sonic Franchise?
Investing in a Sonic Drive-In franchise is the best opportunity because of its unique drive-in dining experience, strong customer loyalty, and Support and training. The average unit volume (AUV) is around $1.5 million.
Before investing, please carefully review the franchise disclosure document (FDD).
sonic franchise disclosure document
You must Review Sonic franchise disclosure document (FDD) before finalizing to ownership.
Conclusions
Sonic restaurant is owned by Inspire Brands, which also owns Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Mister Donuts, and Baskin-Robbins. Grab this opportunity and own a Sonic franchise in 2025. Built-in brand recognition with Sonic.