Loading FDD preview...
Download this + 1,700 other FDDs · One-time purchase
Every FDD, analyzed and searchable
Franchise Disclosure Documents are 200+ page legal filings every franchisor must provide. We've read 1,700+ of them and extracted the key data — fees, revenue, contacts, litigation, and more — so you don't have to.
SONIC DRIVE-IN
Sonic Drive-In franchises quick-service drive-in restaurants offering made-to-order cheeseburgers, chicken entrees, hot dogs, onion rings, tater tots, breakfast items, specialty drinks like cherry limeades and slushes, and ice cream desserts such as SONIC Blast treats. The business model includes Traditional Drive-Ins with carhop service, Drive-Thru Only, Non-Drive-In (e.g., convenience stores), and Non-Traditional locations, plus development agreements for multiple units and multi-brand co-locations with brands like Arby’s or Dunkin’. They target frequent fast-food consumers in a highly competitive quick-service restaurant market.
Loading preview...
Download this + 1,700 other FDDs · One-time purchase
Franchise Costs
5% royalty + 0.9% brand fund + $365-$565/mo Inspire Payment Services
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: 3,057 franchised Traditional Restaurants for 2025 fiscal year
* Average gross revenue is the overall average AUV for 'All Restaurants' as stated in the table. A weighted average calculated from quartile data confirmed this value (1,552,144.77). Revenue top quartile is the average AUV for the 1st Quartile. Revenue bottom quartile is the average AUV for the 4th Quartile. Median gross revenue is the median AUV for 'All Restaurants'. No profit or expense information was provided to calculate profit metrics or a best guess profit range.
Extracted Item 19 Section
Avg. Revenue: $1,552,145
Unlock financial performance data with full access to 1,700+ franchise reports
SONIC DRIVE-IN Franchise Analysis
Sonic Drive-In's retro carhop vibe sets it apart in the fast-food frenzy, drawing loyal fans for limeades and tots. Yet Item 19 unveils revenue snapshots across thousands of units, while SBA lending data hints at rock-solid repayment amid a subtle system shift. Does this classic hold the keys to profitable acceleration, or is the drive-thru lane crowded with risks?
Item 7 in the 2026 FDD pegs initial investment at $1,485,200-$2,522,900 for a traditional drive-in, covering buildout, equipment, and inventory in a capital-intensive QSR play. Upfront franchise fee is a modest $15,000, but ongoing 5% royalty plus 0.9% brand fund stacks on $365-$565 monthly Inspire Payments—aligning with category norms yet pressuring slim margins. Item 19 shines brightly: average gross revenue hits $1,552,145, median $1,465,090 across franchised units, suggesting top performers thrive in high-traffic spots while laggards battle competition from burger giants.
System metrics signal maturity over explosive growth: 3,120 franchised locations (292 corporate) dipped 1% from 3,144 in 2024, with just 2 terminations but 100 transfers indicating owner liquidity. Projected 16 new units tempers expansion hype, favoring multi-unit deals or non-traditional formats like drive-thru only or co-brands with Arby's. SBA stats impress—97 loans averaging $1,162,942 default at only 1.0%, far below QSR averages, underscoring franchisee resilience. For deep-pocketed operators eyeing steady $1.5M+ top lines, Sonic offers proven drive-in economics; casual investors may find the high entry and contraction a cautionary brake.
Analysis based on the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. All figures should be independently verified before making investment decisions.
How SONIC DRIVE-IN Compares
Key Insights
- Higher investment than 92% of Fast Food franchises
- Top 10 largest franchise system in Fast Food
| Franchise | Investment | Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
SONIC DRIVE-IN Current | $1.5M – $2.5M | $15K | 5.0% | 3,120 |
| MCDONALD'S | $1.5M – $2.6M | $45K | N/A | 12,772 |
| AFC | $45K – $151K | $6K | 9.5% | 3,572 |
| KFC (NON-TRADITIONAL) | $1.2M – $4.2M | $45K | N/A | 3,404 |
| CHICK-FIL-A License Program | $586K – $3.4M | N/A | 10.0% | 2,795 |
| JIMMY JOHN'S | $366K – $734K | $35K | 6.0% | 2,737 |
Fast Food Average 131 franchises | $614K – $1.6M | $35K | 6.2% | – |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 131 Fast Food franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2025)
Outlets by state across the United States
+32 more states
Unlock location growth data with full access to 1,700+ franchise reports
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for SONIC DRIVE-IN franchisees (2010 – 2025)
Loans by Year
SBA 7(a) loan activity over time
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
97 SBA loans on record
Unlock SBA loan history with full access to 1,700+ franchise reports
Franchisee Contacts
3,046 franchisee contacts on file from official FDD filings.
3,046 Contacts Available
Unlock all SONIC DRIVE-IN franchisee contacts with verified contact information
Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Unlock due diligence reports with full access to 1,700+ franchise reports
Frequently Asked Questions
The total initial investment to open a SONIC DRIVE-IN franchise ranges from $1,485,200 to $2,522,900. This includes a franchise fee of $15,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 5.0% of gross sales.
More Food & Beverage Franchises
Subway
Food & Beverage
MCDONALD'S
Food & Beverage
DUNKIN'
Food & Beverage
DOMINO'S PIZZA
Food & Beverage
Burger King
Food & Beverage
AFC
Food & Beverage