News

Sonic Drive-In to enter 46th state

Sonic Drive-In has a new franchise development agreement for Hawaii, marking the brand's entrance in its 46th state and first offshore expansion.

March 16, 2016

Sonic Drive-In has a new franchise development agreement for Hawaii, marking the brand's entrance in its 46th state and first offshore expansion. New Sonic franchisee group North Shore Provisions LLC plans to develop seven Sonic Drive-Ins, with the first set to open on the island of Oahu in 2018, according to a company press release.

"For more than 60 years in the restaurant industry, Sonic has developed a solid franchise-focused business model that truly empowers entrepreneurs with an established and unique concept coupled with robust brand support to guide them every step of the way," said John Budd, Sonic chief development and strategy officer. "The addition of North Shore Provisions as our first Hawaii franchisee allows us to introduce our dining experience to a new audience in Hawaii as we pursue our state-by-state expansion."

North Shore Provisions is led by former NFL Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman and Hawaii native Ma'ake Kemoeatu. Kemoeatu retired from the NFL in 2014 and returned to his family home in Kahuku, Hawaii.

"We are honored to have our group selected to franchise Sonic Drive-In in Hawaii," Kemoeatu said. "I was introduced to Sonic during my playing days and loved it. We're excited to bring that taste of the mainland back home to share."