Sonic Drive In vs America's Dog & Burger Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Sonic Drive In Franchise
America's Dog & Burger Franchise
Investment $1,242,000 - $3,523,300$298,800 - $694,050
Franchise Fee $45,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 2.45-5%-
Advertising Fee 3%-
Year Founded 19540
Year Franchised 19590
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee 10 years for $6K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Sonic Drive In Franchise
America's Dog & Burger Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • If no industry experience, must have an operating equity partner
  • You and/or one of your partners have a proven record as a restaurant operator. You meet the minimum financial requirements: $175 Liquid for the first location and $350K Net Worth. America's Dog & Burger is seeking multi-unit operators. The total number of locations to be developed will be determined through the discussions with the ADB team and your goals. Typically the development agreements will be 3-10 locations. You and your team are ready to work hard, learn, & love life. You have local market knowledge. Restaurant background required by at least one operating partner and multi-unit experience preferred. Ability to develop, lead and inspire a management team. Have strong entrepreneurial skills. Active in your local community. Have experience in retail sales. Have passion for the America's Dog & Burger brand. If you don't have the passion, it's just not right for you.

    Financing Options

     
    Sonic Drive In Franchise
    America's Dog & Burger Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/Yes-/-
    Payroll No/Yes-/-

    Training & Support

     
    Sonic Drive In Franchise
    America's Dog & Burger Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 400 hours Classroom Training: 24 hours Additional Training: At existing franchise location -
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions 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 -
    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
    America's Dog & Burger Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    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.

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




    About America's Dog & Burger

    3 generations of family owned and operating restaurants around town. America's Dog & Burger has become a dream come true serving a consistent product made from higher quality ingredients in a clean and fresh space that celebrates America's passion (and my family's) of the Great America Road Trip!

    We're not complicated. Our systems and training allow you to bring a brand to your neighborhood that's laser-like focused keeping everything uncomplicated to focus on execution from the menu to management.