Sonic franchise
Sonic is a drive-in chain where carhops bring burgers, hot dogs, tots and slushes to customers' cars. A traditional Sonic is a one-story building ringed by covered parking stalls, and drinks and ice cream treats are a big part of sales. At the end of 2025 there were 3,412 Sonic locations in the US, 3,120 franchised and 292 company-owned.
- Cost to open
- $1.49M–$2.52M
- Franchise fee
- $15,000
- Royalty
- 5%
- Locations, 2025
- 3,412−100 in 3 yrs
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Company snapshot
- Franchising since
- 1974
- Franchisor based in
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Time to open
- 6 to 12 months after signing
- Agreement length
- 10 years
- Financing
- None offered
From Sonic Franchising LLC’s 2026 filing.
How much a Sonic franchise costs
Opening a Traditional Sonic Drive-In costs an estimated $1,485,200 to $2,522,900. That covers the franchise fee and everything else needed to open, through the first months of working capital.
Source: Sonic Franchising LLC, 2026 filing, page 38
Sonic franchise fee
The franchise fee is $15,000, for a Traditional Drive-In or non-drive-in location ($11,250 at a non-traditional location). You pay it when you sign the franchise agreement.
Source: Sonic Franchising LLC, 2026 filing, page 28
Royalty and ongoing fees
| Royalty | 5% of gross sales, paid monthly. |
|---|---|
| Brand or marketing fund | 0.9% of gross sales to the Sonic Brand Fund, plus at least 1.625% for advertising. |
Source: Sonic Franchising LLC, 2026 filing, page 30
Sales and earnings
Shares figures Sonic publishes sales or earnings figures for its locations: it reports 2025 annual unit volumes for franchised Sonic restaurants open the full year. The full tables, with notes on which locations are counted, are in its filing.
Source: Sonic Franchising LLC, 2026 filing, page 70
Locations opened and closed
| Year | Franchised | Company-owned | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3,194 (−26) | 327 | 49 |
| 2024 | 3,144 (−50) | 317 | 80 |
| 2025 | 3,120 (−24) | 292 | 56 |
Closed or left counts terminations, non-renewals, locations bought back by the franchisor and locations that stopped operating.
Source: Sonic Franchising LLC, 2026 filing, page 74
How Sonic compares
Of the 11 burger franchises on this site, Sonic is the 8th cheapest to open and the 4th largest by number of locations.
| Measure | Sonic | Typical burger |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to open, low end | $1.49M | $1.39M |
| Royalty | 5% | 4.8% |
| Closed or left per year | 1.9% | 1.9% |
| Change in franchised locations, 3 yrs | −3.1% | −2.4% |
| Shares earnings figures | Yes | 9 of 11 |
Typical is the median across the 11 brands in burger franchises.
Other burger franchises
Sonic franchise questions
How long does it take to open a Sonic?
6 to 12 months after signing, according to Sonic's 2026 filing. Finding a site, permits and build-out are what usually stretch it.
Does Sonic help with financing?
No. Sonic does not offer financing or guarantee loans or leases, so buyers arrange their own, usually a bank or SBA loan.
How long is a Sonic franchise agreement?
The initial term is 10 years. Renewal is usually possible if you're in good standing, often for a fee and a remodel.
Is Sonic growing or shrinking?
Over the last 3 years 85 franchised locations opened and 185 closed or left, a net change of −3.1%. About 1.9% of locations closed or left each year. That is in line with the 1.9% typical for burger franchises.
How does Sonic compare with other burger franchises?
Of the 11 burger franchises here, Sonic is the 8th cheapest to open (low end $1.49M against a $1.39M median) and the 4th largest by number of locations. Its 5% royalty is in line with the 4.8% median.
Does Sonic say how much franchisees make?
Yes: it reports 2025 annual unit volumes for franchised Sonic restaurants open the full year. Your results can differ; the filing explains which locations are counted.
Where is Sonic based?
Sonic Franchising LLC is based in Atlanta, Georgia and the brand has sold franchises since 1974.