Sonic Drive In vs Choo Choo Johnny's Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Sonic Drive In Franchise
Choo Choo Johnny's Franchise
Investment $1,242,000 - $3,523,300$313,850 - $441,500
Franchise Fee $45,000N/A
Royalty Fee 2.45-5%-
Advertising Fee 3%-
Year Founded 19542002
Year Franchised 19592005
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee 10 years for $6K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Sonic Drive In Franchise
Choo Choo Johnny's Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • If no industry experience, must have an operating equity partner
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Sonic Drive In Franchise
    Choo Choo Johnny's 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
    Choo Choo Johnny's Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 400 hours Classroom Training: 24 hours Additional Training: At existing franchise location Comprehensive Training - You'll be trained in all aspects of our business operations and procedures, including our superb food preparation techniques. You'll learn our highly effective administrative, office, sales, computer software, and marketing procedures. You'll also receive excellent on-the-job training at our flagship restaurant, as well as training at your own restaurant, prior to, during, and after your Choo Choo Johnny's grand opening.
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Franchisee Intranet Platform Operational Support - Our services include guidance in unit operations and maintenance, customer-service techniques, product ordering, suggested pricing guidelines, marketing support, and administrative procedures. We will provide you with a comprehensive Operations Manual that contains detailed information to be used for ready reference in running virtually every aspect of your business.
    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
    Choo Choo Johnny's Franchise
    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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    #4 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #28 in Franchise 500 for 2021.




    About Choo Choo Johnny's

    ALL ABOARD! To Choo Choo Johnny's Eatery, a family-oriented restaurant with a train theme that is popular among children and adults: model trains! Both kids and adults are amused as a train chugs along the restaurant walls; An interactive train display entertains both the young and old at heart; Guests seated along the counter track will have special food delivery via model train. A variety of train, country, and children's music play in the background enhancing the railroad dining experience.