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Sonic

Operations

This week’s 5 head-spinning moments: Glittering change

Woe to the restaurant that won't change with the times. But some recent results of social and business pressures were real head-scratchers, including developments at Sonic and Starbucks.

Operations

Sonic hits on a program to boost margins

The initiative teaches franchisees how to use their POS and back-office systems as more effective cost-cutting tools.

Operations

Sonic expands test of order-ahead functionality

By Peter Romeo on Mar. 28, 2018

The app-based system will enable customers of the drive-in brand to place a customized order for delivery to their car window at a particular time.

Beverage

Happy hours make a comeback—in an often unrecognizable form

By Peter Romeo on Mar. 23, 2018

The updated discounting windows are more likely to come during the day or at night, and the drinks are as likely to be nonalcoholic as full strength.

Food

7 burgers rocking the menu right now

By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 14, 2018

Competition between the buns heats up as operators raise their game to win customers.

Marketing

Sonic adds 2 gals to 'Two Guys'

By Peter Romeo on Mar. 06, 2018

The updated campaign will now include comediennes Jane Krakowski and Ellie Kemper, part of the chain's effort to draw more female patrons.

Food

Sonic goes systemwide with blended burgers

By Peter Romeo on Mar. 01, 2018

Starting Monday, the chain will offer a cheeseburger with under 350 calories.

Leadership

Sonic promotes Claudia San Pedro to president

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 02, 2018

The company also promoted Corey Horsch to CFO and elected a new director.

Operations

This week’s 5 head-spinning moments: Making restaurants great again

By Peter Romeo on Jan. 19, 2018

When the happy talk is all about taxes, you know this was a good spell for restaurants. Also on the plus side: a cover-up for breastaurants, a lovefest for the big burger chains and bitcoins make an inroad.

Financing

Sonic expects big tax savings

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 05, 2018

The chain expects as much as a 10-percentage-point improvement in its tax rate, thanks to reform.