America's largest chain of drive-in restaurants expands into the Chicago market
OKLAHOMA CITY, June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SONIC(R), America's Drive-In(R), is one step closer to calling Chicagoland home. Over the next several years SONIC Drive-In will develop drive-ins in the North/Northwest, South and West suburbs of Chicago, Ill.
The first Chicago-area SONIC Drive-Ins to break ground are located in Country Club Hills and Aurora and are expected to open in summer 2008. Additionally a drive-in in Algonquin is also scheduled to break ground in summer 2008 with a grand opening scheduled for fall 2008.
"We are thrilled to expand SONIC Drive-In into the Chicago market," said Drew Ritger, senior vice president of development for SONIC Drive-In. "We are looking forward to serving the residents of Chicagoland and delivering the fun Carhop service SONIC Drive-Ins are known for across the country."
South Chicagoland SONIC (Country Club Hills, Lockport)
Sonic Restaurants, Inc. (SRI), the company's restaurant-operating subsidiary is the principal owner of the new SONIC Drive-In, located at 4023 W. 167th St. in Country Club Hills. The drive-in is expected to open in summer 2008. SRI will also develop a drive-in in Lockport scheduled to open in winter 2008 with additional plans to further develop the South suburbs.
West Chicagoland SONIC (Aurora, Bartlett)
Boom Enterprises, a franchise group, will develop the Western suburbs of Chicago in Kane, Dupage, and Northwest Cook counties. The franchise group recently broke ground on its first location at 2974 Kirk Rd. in Aurora which is expected to open in summer 2008. Additional locations will follow later in the year and into following years.
North/Northwest Chicagoland SONIC (Lake and McHenry Counties)
Cywinski Enterprises led by John Cywinski has plans to develop the North/Northwest Chicago suburbs, including Lake and McHenry Counties. Cywinski's first drive-in will be located at 1090 South Randall Road in Algonquin and is scheduled to open in fall 2008. The franchise group plans to open its second and third drive-ins in summer 2009; however the locations are still being negotiated. Cywinski Enterprises plans to open 15 drive-ins over the next several years.
SONIC's unique dining experience lets guests order at the push of a button, receive made-when-you-order meals from a smiling Carhop and eat, all in the comfort of their own vehicle. Guests can also enjoy their meals from SONIC's patio tables.
SONIC, which specializes in made-when-you-order fast food, is known for its specialty menu items and personal service. Unique drink combinations make SONIC Your Ultimate Drink Stop!(R) SONIC's slow-melting ice helps drinks stay cool and keeps them cooled longer while maintaining flavor. SONIC's full menu is available all day, giving guests the option of eating breakfast for dinner or ordering a SONIC Blast in the morning. Favorites include TOASTER(R) Sandwiches (sandwiches served on thick Texas Toast), Extra-Long Cheese Coneys (hot dogs with chili and cheese), fresh-made Onion Rings, Tater Tots and a variety of Frozen Favorites(R) treats and Fountain Favorites(R) drinks. SONIC's ever-growing menu is full of options to satisfy every taste, such as Real Fruit Smoothies.
SONIC, America's Drive-In (Nasdaq: SONC) started as a hamburger and root beer stand in 1953 in Shawnee, Okla., called Top Hat Drive-In, and then changed its name to SONIC in 1959. The first drive-in to adopt the SONIC name is still serving customers in Stillwater, Okla. As the nation's largest chain of drive-in restaurants, SONIC has more than 3,400 drive-ins coast to coast. More than a million customers eat at SONIC every day; and with more drink combinations than any other quick-service restaurant -- more than 168,894 -- SONIC is Your Ultimate Drink Stop(R). For more information about Sonic Corp. and its subsidiaries, visit SONIC at http://www.sonicdrivein.com.
SOURCE SONIC, America's Drive-In
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