Sonic Drive In vs Maid-Rite Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Sonic Drive In Franchise
Maid-Rite Franchise
Investment $1,242,000 - $3,523,300$99,375 - $141,500
Franchise Fee $45,000$60,000
Royalty Fee 2.45-5%6%
Advertising Fee 3%2%
Year Founded 19541926
Year Franchised 19591926
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee 10 years for $6K-


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

    Financing Options
     
    Sonic Drive In Franchise
    Maid-Rite 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
    Maid-Rite 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.

    		12% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 8 - 14

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (95% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    Sonic Drive In Franchise
    Maid-Rite 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 Maid-Rite

    Why Maid-Rite Makes Excellent Business Sense. We invite you to take part in the American dream of owning and operating your own business to achieve your personal goals for success. Our proven track record, of serving our customers for over 82 years, speaks for itself. The personal satisfaction of owning your own business is just a few clicks away. See why Maid-Rite makes excellent business sense. Find out how easy it is to operate a Maid-Rite with our extensive franchisee training program and our A to Z Operating Manual. With Maid-Rite, you could be owning and operating, your own franchise within 60 to 150 days after completing your franchise application. The secret to success is getting started!
    Recognized Brand
    Our familiar red and white octagon logo has graced the landscape of the Midwest for over eight decades. It is a tradition that we are proud of and you, as a franchisee, will find the Maid-Rite name to be a welcome icon of recognized familiarity and popularity.
    Regional Developer Franchise Opportunities -- United States Master Franchises Available -- International Affordability Maid-Rite is the affordable choice. You can own and operate a single unit Maid-Rite franchise with an initial investment for as low as $200,000, which includes the franchisee fee, all equipment, furniture, fixtures, inventory, smallwares, signage and working capital in a leased premise. Financing and leasing options are available. Make the "Rite" choice today to let us know of your interest in becoming a proud owner of a successful Maid-Rite franchise.