As I strolled into Sonic, or America's Drive-In as it's officially known, a sense of nostalgia washed over me. Owned by Inspire Brands, the group behind thick-cut sandwich giant Arby's, fire-grilled Buffalo Wild Wings, and spicy Rusty Taco, Sonic offered a similar appeal but with a unique twist - a nod to the old school, harking back to a bygone era when drive-in restaurants were the epitome of cool.
The menu was a celebration of flavors - a carnival of tastes encompassing burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, hot dogs in various cozy castings, but the star were the frozen treats and milkshakes, standing out as Sonic's supernovas. There's a reason Sonic is dubbed America's premier drink stop.
Formerly christened Top Hat Drive-In, Sonic started its journey in Shawnee, Oklahoma. I imagined the excitement of the first customer there, or at the first Sonic franchisee in Woodward, Oklahoma - a place where days would pass in a blur in the lucrative oil patch framed against the backdrop of the grand frontier.
The menu was Rock 'n' Roll - an original chili cheese coney, cheeseburger paired with tater tots, hot dogs from various locales including the classic American hot dog with relish and the Chicago dog. The Master Shakes and Sonic Blasts were an avalanche of sweetness, ice cream rendered in various colorful avatars. I also spotted the “Wacky Pack” Kids Meals info buzzing around.
Lustfully eyeing the menu, I made a mental note to myself: make a quick pit-stop at their website at SonicDriveIn.com for more information later on.
Spreading the Sonic Vibe Globally
I smiled as I thought of Sonic's 3200+ locations across the continental United States. From the busy streets of California to the tranquil outskirts of Alaska - Sonic's drive-in magic was transforming America's food landscape one hot dog at a time. It doesn't operate globally yet, but it's steadily growing.
True to America's melting pot ethos, Sonic Drive-Ins are in a staggering 40 states covering the length of the entire country. Wherever you are in the US, you'll find a Sonic nearby. It's as simple as checking their website and keying in your zip code.
The Sonic Difference?
Ever watched American Graffiti, Grease, or The Outsiders? Sonic's drive-in ambiance caught that essence perfectly. Its legacy traced back to the 1930s when car sales were booming and drive-in restaurants were the trend.
In the good old days, food was delivered on roller skates with carhops shuttling from the kitchen to parking stalls. Sonic was all about simplicity, affordability, and speedy service. The basics remain unchanged to this day:
- The freshest food cooked right after your order
- A diverse menu of American favorites, with healthier options
- Swift service with a friendly smile
These fundamental principles combined with their nostalgic flavor have cemented Sonic as a beloved old-school restaurant in America, a feat remarkable for a brand born out of the Oklahoma plains.
My Experience
Although Sonic had spicy options like the extreme tots and jalapeno bombers, the menu was not overwhelmingly spicy. I found enough choices to keep my tastebuds interested without testing their spice-tolerance limit!
My Sonic Experience
Pros:
- Old-school ambiance, offering a unique dining experience
- Diverse menu with an array of American favorites
- Genuine focus on freshness and food quality
- Impeccable service and friendly staff
Cons:
- Limited dietary or vegetarian options
- Locations are predominantly in the United States
- The spiciness scale could use a notch up for spice lovers
By the end of my visit, I left Sonic, satiated, satisfied, and with a story to tell. They say you can't go back in time. But with every bit of my Sonic hot dog, I felt I was right there, cruising down the highway in the 70s, and boy was it a journey worth savoring.