Sonic

Sonic Drive-In is a 1950s-style fast food chain. Originally called "Top Hat Drive-In," the name was changed in part to reflect the restaurant's slogan: "Service With the Speed of Sound."

Key Dates

  1. 1954: Founder Smith sets up an intercom system at his root beer stand and employs "Carhops" to deliver food to customers in their cars
  2. 1956: Second location opens; restaurant still called "Top Hat Drive-In"
  3. 1958: Name changed to Sonic
  4. 1967: Smith's business partner, Charlie Pappe, dies of a heart attack
  5. 1973: Sonic is owned by franchisees
  6. 1977: First Sonic TV ads
  7. 1984: Cliff Hudson becomes CEO
  8. 1991: Sonic goes public
  9. Mid-1990s: Consistent menus introduced to all restaurants
  10. 2005: 3,000th restaurant opens

Sonic Drive-In Info

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