News

Sonic expanding in Buffalo market

January 6, 2014

Sonic Drive-In has announced a new franchising agreement that will bring eight new units to the Buffalo, N.Y., market within the next six years. According to a news release, the agreement is with Kevin DiPirro, with the first drive-in planned to open in the spring of 2015.

The eight locations will extend throughout Niagara and Erie counties in Upstate New York.

With five existing drive-ins located in the state of New York, this new agreement — along with the agreement announced in June that will bring six new locations to Rochester, N.Y., throughout the next four years — will more than triple Sonic's presence in the state. Additional expansion plans within the state are currently underway and expected to be announced in coming weeks.

"Sonic has a passionate and loyal customer following and is a common sight in many parts of the country. However, some consumers in the Northeast that see our commercials or hear about us may not have a Sonic Drive-In in their community yet," said Bob Franke, senior vice president of franchise sales and international development. "Fortunately, our differentiated concept with distinctive sandwiches, snacks and drinks appeals to customers across the country, and our business model combined with the unit growth prospects makes Sonic attractive to entrepreneurs. This agreement in Buffalo introduces Sonic to a new, eager community and represents another step toward expanding our already growing footprint in the region."

DiPirro has experience operating a variety of brands in the Buffalo market, including Moe's Southwest Grill, Cinnabon and Auntie Anne's Pretzels.

"We've been in the restaurant business in upstate New York for years and know Sonic would be a welcome and one-of-a-kind offering within this market," he said. "The unique drive-in experience with skating Carhops and the distinctive menu items like Footlong Coneys and Real Ice Cream Shakes make Sonic a stand out choice."

New prototypes

As the brand expands into new, cooler regions such as upstate New York, it is partnering with franchisees to test revised drive-in prototypes that meet the needs of their markets. As an example, the new Buffalo drive-ins will feature an enclosed dining area that will allow guests to experience Sonic either in their cars or seated at a table. The dining area is designed for year-round use, as it can be opened as a patio for guests to enjoy in the summer.

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