Food & Beverage FDD Analyzed

Sonic Drive-Ins

Sonic Franchising LLC

Atlanta, GA Website FDD: March 27, 2025
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Investment Range

$1,676,000 - $3,140,900

Franchise Fee

$15,000

Royalty

5%

Marketing Fee

4.15%

Total Units

3,461

Median Revenue

$1,294,624/yr

Unit Growth

Last 5 years

2022

3,546

-0.7%

2023

3,521

-1.7%

2024

3,461

Initial Investment Breakdown

CategoryLowHigh
Initial franchise fee(2)$15,000$15,000
Travel and living expenses during training(3)$8,200$93,600
Franchisee Certified Training Team expenses (4)$15,200$42,500
Prepaid expenses(5)$2,000$125,000
Real property/ occupancy charge(6)N/AN/A
+ 10 more categories (apply to see all)
TOTAL INVESTMENT$1,676,000$3,140,900

Financial Performance Data

Access detailed revenue metrics, expense breakdowns, and profitability data from the Item 19 Financial Performance Representation.

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Franchisee Contact Directory

205

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Is Sonic Drive-Ins a Good Investment?

Based on the FDD data, here are key factors to consider when evaluating a Sonic Drive-Ins franchise opportunity:

Potential Advantages

  • Established brand with 3,461+ locations nationwide
  • Competitive royalty fee of 5%
  • Financial Performance Representation (Item 19) available for review

Considerations

  • Declining unit count may indicate market challenges
  • Litigation history disclosed in FDD (review Item 3 carefully)
  • Higher initial investment requires significant capital

Disclaimer: This analysis is based on publicly available FDD data and should not be considered financial advice. Always consult with a franchise attorney and accountant before making any investment decision.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sonic Drive-Ins

How much does a Sonic Drive-Ins franchise cost?

The total initial investment for a Sonic Drive-Ins franchise ranges from $1,676,000 to $3,140,900. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, inventory, real estate, and other startup costs as disclosed in the FDD.

What is the Sonic Drive-Ins franchise fee?

The initial franchise fee for Sonic Drive-Ins ranges from $15,000 to $15,000.

What are the ongoing fees for a Sonic Drive-Ins franchise?

Sonic Drive-Ins franchisees pay a 5% royalty fee and a 4.15% marketing/advertising fee on an ongoing basis.

How many Sonic Drive-Ins franchise locations are there?

Sonic Drive-Ins currently operates 3,461 franchise locations. This includes both franchised and company-owned units.

Quick Facts

Litigation Disclosed
Bankruptcy None
Protected Territory Yes
Item 19 (FPR) Available
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