How to Start a Sonic Restaurant Franchise

Start a Sonic Franchise

For those who are interested in owning a restaurant, deciding to go with a franchise if often the best way to go. Owners will get assistance with starting and running their store as well as marketing assistance. If you are interested in fast food, a sonic restaurant franchise might be just the right option for you. Sonic is a popular burger and fry type restaurant and is popular throughout the United States. Read on to learn how to start a Sonic Restaurant Franchise.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet
• Restaurant Experience
• Net Worth $1,000,000
• Liquid Assets $1,000,000

1. ~ Make Sure that You have The Relevant Experience & Finances ~

   In order to be considered for a Sonic restaurant franchise, you'll have to have restaurant experience. To be considered for 2 stores, the minimum required by Sonic, is liquid assets and a total net worth of at least $1,000,000.

2. ~ Check for Opportunities Where You'd Like to do Business ~

   Sonic requires that all of their franchisees live in the area where they'd like to work. You'll want to see if an opportunity is available where you live or would like to live. If not, you can consider checking for existing franchises that are for sale. You can also contact the company and ask that they inform you when/if an opportunity becomes available in your area.

3. ~ Contact The Restaurant for More Information ~

   You can request more information on a starting a Sonic restaurant franchise at the company's website, or by calling or emailing them. You'll be contacted by a company representative that will provide you with additional information.

4. ~ Review & Sign a Disclosure Statement ~

   If you are still interested in Sonic after reviewing additional information and speaking with their representatives, you will be provided with an application and a disclosure statement. You'll need to provide financial and other information. The disclosure form needs to be signed, but you must have it at least 10 days before signing. It is not a contract, but should be read carefully. You should go over it with your attorney.

5. ~ Get Financing if Required ~

   Finding a location, building your restaurant, and paying the franchise fee will cost somewhere between $750,000 and $3,000,000. Sonic does not offer financing, but can put you in touch with lenders that do. You'll want to make sure you can get financing before you commit.

6. ~ Attend a 12-week Training Program ~

   After your application has been accepted and before you can start building your restaurant, you will have to sign up for and attend a training program that lasts for 12 weeks. You'll learn everything you need to know about owning a Sonic restaurant franchise at this training. At the end of the training, you'll receive a contract which you must look over for at least 5 days before signing.

7. ~ Review Your Contract with an Attorney ~

   The contract is a legal document. Review it with your attorney and make sure any questions that you have are resolved before you sign and return it to the company.

8. ~ Build the Restaurant ~

   Once you've signed the contract, you are ready to get land and to start building your restaurant. Sonic will assist you through this process and provide you with restaurant plans. You'll need at least 3/4 of an acre that is zoned commercial.

Tips & Warnings

• If there is not currently a Sonic Restaurant Franchise opportunity available in your area, you can check to see if any are for sale.

• Consider working with a franchise consultant who can help you choose the perfect opportunity for you. They are usually paid a fee by the franchise that you eventually choose so it won't cost you anything to work with one.