Sonic Drive-In’s new prototype will debut in Northeast Florida at the Mayport location when the franchisee retrofits the 21-year-old building.
“This location will be the first drive-in in the Jacksonville area with the new prototype design,” said Christi Woodworth, vice president of public relations with the Oklahoma City-based company, in an email Dec. 9.
The city is reviewing a permit application for a $450,000 renovation of the Sonic Drive-In at 2565 Mayport Road.
Plans show a 105-square-foot alteration to the open patio in the front of the 1,406-square-foot building, an exterior retrofit to the new brand look, new canopies and interior replacement of finishes.
The property is owned by franchisee SDI Florida LLC in Orange Park. State corporate records show its president is Richard Ganson and manager is private equity firm HB Equity Associates LLC of New York City.
Ganson has not responded to calls or emails for comment.
“The franchisee who owns and operates this drive-in is rebuilding this location due to its age, need to upgrade technology as well as implement a new layout to provide guests with faster service,” Woodworth said.
“As the franchisee just applied for permits and is accepting construction bids, we anticipate the drive-in will open in early to mid-spring.”
Woodworth said there are 18 Sonic Drive-ins in the Jacksonville market, owned by three separate franchisees.
Sonic owner Inspire Brands and the Restaurant Business industry site reported in July the first prototype location opened in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, featuring 18 docks for parked cars and a drive-thru as well as a covered outdoor patio where customers can sit under string lights. It also has lawn games.
It said the second restaurant with the new design is in Fort Worth, Texas.
Several Sonic franchisees are building or remodeling locations under the new design.
Restaurant Business reported the prototype follows the chain’s launch of its new brand identity and advertising campaign in the spring.
The industry site said the “Delight” prototype features a large, brightly lit cherry on the side near the drive-thru, a nod to Sonic’s signature Cherry Limeade beverage. The site said the chain sells about 9 million of them every year.
According to Restaurant Business, the design features red, blue and some yellow along with its new identity. Inside, the restaurant features a new kitchen layout designed to help employees operate more efficiently.
It also is designed to work with the company’s new mobile platform with contactless ordering and payment.
Restaurant Business also said the new design works well with previous formats as the company works to grow its footprint in the U.S. and internationally.
Sonic Drive-In is part of Atlanta-based Inspire Brands, whose portfolio includes more than 32,000 Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Rusty Taco, Jimmy John’s, Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins restaurants worldwide.
