Sonic Drive-In franchise for sale
An already-open Sonic Drive-In franchise is available for sale. You purchase it from its owner, but Sonic Drive-In must approve you before the sale can close.
Buying a Sonic Drive-In franchise from its owner
- Cost of the transfer
- $3,000.The amount is $1,000 if the transfer is non-control, family or own-entity. Item 6, 2026 FDD
- Completed sales to new owners in 2025
- 100; There were 75 in 2023 and 334 in 2024.; Among the 3,120 franchised units, this makes up 3.2%. Item 20, 2026 FDD
- A first purchase right for Sonic Drive-In
- It does.A right of first refusal applies on the terms included in your offer. Item 17, 2026 FDD
- You are the one who signs
- The agreement in force, not the seller's old terms. Item 17, 2026 FDD
- Instead, a new Sonic Drive-In
- Opening a new one costs $1,485,200 to $2,522,900 in total. Item 7, 2026 FDD
Before Sonic Drive-In approves a sale, here's what it asks
- Any monetary obligations of the seller must be met.
- Good standing is a requirement, so the seller must meet it.
- The new franchisee must meet the qualification requirements.
- Completion of the training is required.
- Payment of the transfer fee must be made.
- Upgrades to the restaurant must be completed.
- A release must be signed by the seller.
- A franchise agreement must be signed by the new franchisee.
Sales of Sonic Drive-In units to new owners
| Year | Units transferred |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 75 |
| 2024 | 334 |
| 2025 | 100 |
Item 20 of the FDD provides these counts and also identifies owners who sold or left during the past year. It includes their contact details. Before you make an offer, call a few of them.
Finding a Sonic Drive-In franchise that's for sale
Units on the market aren't listed in the FDD. Owner sales happen through business brokers and listing sites, so check with Sonic Drive-In's franchise team too about any owner nearby who is selling.
The price is set by the seller. Request three years of profit and loss statements. Compare the seller's price with the cost to open a new Sonic Drive-In, $1,485,200 to $2,522,900.
Every figure shown here comes from Items 6, 17 and 20 in the 2026 Sonic Drive-In Franchise Disclosure Document. Sonic Franchising LLC filed that document with the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
Other franchises available for sale
Buying a Sonic Drive-In franchise from its owner?
One franchise attorney can check the transfer terms and the agreement you would take over. Send your details and they will contact you.