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Updated RecentlySonic Drive In vs The Counter Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Sonic Drive In vs The Counter including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $1,242,000 - $3,523,300 | $711,133 - $1,939,750 |
| Franchise Fee | $45,000 | $35,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 2.45-5% | 6% |
| Advertising Fee | 3% | 2% |
| Year Founded | 1954 | 2003 |
| Year Franchised | 1959 | 2005 |
| Term Of Agreement | 20 years | - |
| Term Of Agreement | 20 years | - |
| Renewal Fee | 10 years for $6K | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | - | |
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | No/Yes | -/Yes |
| Start-up Costs | No/Yes | -/Yes |
| Equipment | No/Yes | -/Yes |
| Inventory | No/Yes | -/Yes |
| Receivables | No/Yes | -/- |
| Payroll | No/Yes | -/- |
Training & Support |
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| Training | On-The-Job Training: 400 hours Classroom Training: 24 hours Additional Training: At existing franchise location | On-The-Job Training: 964 hours Classroom Training: 164 hours |
| Support | Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Franchisee Intranet Platform | Newsletter Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Franchisee Intranet Platform |
| 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. | Absentee Ownership Allowed |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | Yes | - |
| Canada Expansion | No | - |
| International Expansion | No | - |
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 The Counter
Our premium build-your-own burger experience offers over 312,000+ combinations, a modern industrial design and unique beers and wines.
gourmet hamburger franchise franchising
Featured in GQ magazine as "One of the 20 Hamburgers to eat before you die" and "Best Burger" on OPRAH, we are awarding area development agreements throughout the USA to multi-unit operators that qualify. We have more than 75+ stores currently in development throughout the U.S.
We're looking for franchisees that would only consider a Custom Built Life by investing in a spirited brand that reflects a part of who you are and what you believe in. Join our effort to own the premium gourmet burger segment and let's have a good time doing it.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of The Counter
franchise ranges from $724,133 to $1,939,750 for a traditional
restaurant franchise and between $711,133 to $1,924,750 for a
non-traditional restaurant. This includes $38,000 to $47,500 for a
traditional and $25,000 to $32,500 for a
non-traditional restaurant that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.
non-traditional restaurant that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.