KBP Brands, a large franchisee of more than 1,100 locations, is going big into Sonic.
The Leawood, Kansas-based operator said this week that it has acquired 78 restaurants of the drive-in beverage and burger chain, doubling its footprint in the system to become Sonic’s fourth-largest operator.
It’s KBP’s second Sonic acquisition in less than two years. The restaurants were previously corporate-owned locations. KBP first bought Sonic locations in 2024.
KBP has been a franchisee under Inspire Brands since 2021, when it first acquired Arby’s restaurants. Mike Kulp, CEO of KBP, said that the franchisee has had “strong results from our initial Sonic purchase.”
KBP is one of the nation’s biggest restaurant franchisees, generating about $1.5 billion in annual sales. The company owns KFC and Taco Bell restaurants in addition to its Sonic footprint.
John Kelly, brand president with Sonic, lauded KBP for its “operational excellence” and a “shared commitment to guest satisfaction and a culture that champions innovation.”
Mark Everett, EVP with KBP, will lead the restaurants as head of the franchisee’s Drive-In business along with Chief Operating Officer Matt Hansen.
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