Sonic Drive-In

Sonic Drive-In was founded in 1953 by Troy Smith, who was attempting to return to his life in Seminole, Oklahoma after serving in the United States Army during WWII. Smith worked as a milk and bread deliveryman before purchasing a small diner. Soon after, Smith sold the diner to open Troy's Pan Full of Chicken, a fast food restaurant. Smith shifted gears once more in 1953, taking over a walk-up root beer stand called the Top Hat, the original name of Sonic.

Customers had to initially approach the Top Hat stand to place their orders, but after observing drive-in speakers in Louisiana, Smith decided to install them. Smith later hired carhops to deliver the food, resulting in the creation of the modern Sonic.

Following a meeting with businessman Charles Woodrow Pappe, who was impressed by Smith's drive-in restaurant, Smith started franchising the Top Hat in 1956. The name of the chain was changed to Sonic by Smith and Pappe in 1959 after they discovered that Top Hat had already been trademarked. Over 3,600 locations now exist for Sonic across 45 states.

Instead of a traditional franchise fee, Troy Smith and Charles Pappe charged two cents per hamburger, resulting in a penny profit per bag imprinted with Sonic's logo.

Year Founded: June 18, 1953

Founder(s): Troy Smith

Year Franchising Started: 1956

Current No. of Locations: over 3,606

Headquarters: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA

Website: www.sonicdrivein.com