Sonic Drive In vs Roy Rogers Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Sonic Drive In vs Roy Rogers including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Sonic Drive In Franchise
Roy Rogers Franchise
Investment $1,242,000 - $3,523,300$767,250 - $1,580,950
Franchise Fee $45,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 2.45-5%5%
Advertising Fee 3%3%
Year Founded 19541968
Year Franchised 19592003
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee 10 years for $6K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Sonic Drive In Franchise
Roy Rogers Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • If no industry experience, must have an operating equity partner
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Sonic Drive In Franchise
    Roy Rogers Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/YesNo/Yes
    Payroll No/YesNo/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    Sonic Drive In Franchise
    Roy Rogers Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 400 hours Classroom Training: 24 hours Additional Training: At existing franchise location On-The-Job Training: 25 hours Classroom Training: 25 hours
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Franchisee Intranet Platform Purchasing Co-ops Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Email marketing Loyalty program/app Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 60% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 25

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed.

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Sonic Drive In Franchise
    Roy Rogers Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    About Sonic Drive In

    Sonic Industries Inc. was founded in 1973. In 1974, Sonic acquired the name 'Sonic Drive-In' from Troy Smith, Sr., and began franchising. Smith used his more than 15 years of experience in the restaurant business to develop and operate the Sonic franchise program. A wholly owned subsidiary of Sonic Corp., the company is based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and has locations throughout the United States. The company's storefronts recently got a facelift to give them a 'retro-futuristic' look.

    Your estimated initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Traditional Sonic Drive-In franchise ranges from approximately $1,242,200 to $3,537,700 plus land costs and includes the $45,000 franchise fee that must be paid to Sonic.
    Your estimated initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Non-Traditional Sonic franchise ranges from approximately $361,900 to $978,700 and includes the $22,500 franchise fee that must be paid to Sonic.

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    #91 on Franchise Rankings.com
    #4 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #28 in Franchise 500 for 2021.




    About Roy Rogers

    Roy Rogers' restaurants provide a wide variety of appealing, prepared-to-order foods with quality and freshness that set a new standard in the quick service segment. For over 35 years Roy Rogers has been offering the 'Big Three' - hamburgers, chicken and roast beef. Our "Choose any side" option includes French fries, baked and mashed potatoes, fresh fruit cup, cole slaw, baked apples, tossed salad or baked beans. Our signature Fixin's Bar enables guests to dress their sandwich the way they like it without the need for a special order. Our signature freshness is made possible through our unwillingness to compromise on ingredients or technique...a difference our guests notice. There is no single factor that accounts for the powerful appeal of the Roy Rogers concept. Rather, it's a combination of many strategic, operational and promotional elements - all focused on the common goal of operational efficiency and total guest satisfaction that makes Roy Rogers so appealing as a restaurant and as a business opportunity.

    WHY ROYS?: Widespread Appeal

    At Roy Rogers Restaurants, there's something for everyone, as evident by the diversity of our guests. On any given day, Roy Rogers widespread appeal will see executives stopping in for a delicious breakfast or business lunch, friends meeting for a midday meal, families with young children, or senior citizens enjoying an evening out.

    Fresh, Prepared-to-Order Products

    Inviting, Comfortable Decor

    Roy Rogers wants its guests to feel right at home. The informal Western decor of our restaurants is just right for family and casual dining, and personal attention and cleanliness are paramount among the high standards we set for our managers and associates.



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    #330 in Franchise 500 for 2020.