Sonic Drive In vs The Original Hot Dog Factory Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Sonic Drive In Franchise
The Original Hot Dog Factory Franchise
Investment $1,242,000 - $3,523,300$97,500 - $517,887
Franchise Fee $45,000$20,000
Royalty Fee 2.45-5%5.5%
Advertising Fee 3%1%
Year Founded 19542010
Year Franchised 19592018
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee 10 years for $6K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Sonic Drive In Franchise
The Original Hot Dog Factory Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • If no industry experience, must have an operating equity partner
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Sonic Drive In Franchise
    The Original Hot Dog Factory 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
    The Original Hot Dog Factory Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 400 hours Classroom Training: 24 hours Additional Training: At existing franchise location On-The-Job Training: 20 hours Classroom Training: 20 hours
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Franchisee Intranet Platform Ongoing Support Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Field Operations Site Selection
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Email marketing Loyalty program/app Marketing Support National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO
    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

     
    Sonic Drive In Franchise
    The Original Hot Dog Factory 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.

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




    About The Original Hot Dog Factory

    The Original Hot Dog Factory is America’s favorite Hot Dog  restaurant. If you love hot dogs, then The Original Hot Dog Factory is the perfect place for you. We offer a wide variety of mouthwatering hot dogs that will make you ask for more. All hot dogs are served steamed, grilled, or fried with globally inspired toppings. A friendly staff and delicious food is what we are famed for. Not just hot dogs, our menu features many different beverages and desserts.
    WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IN A FRANCHISE PARTNER
    The Original Hot Dog Factory is seeking experienced single or multi-unit franchisees to acquire and develop locations in shopping areas, airports, colleges, and more. We bring strong financials and a culture that promotes community. We will negotiate development agreements ranging from a minimum of three, to over one hundred locations.Being a great Franchise Partner requires a combination of aptitude, good judgement, and perseverance. We are looking for people with a passion for business, matched by their desire to deliver the highest-quality customer service and hospitality. A focus on delivering the The Original Hot Dog Factory experience and creating “wow” moments is a necessity.

    Veteran Incentives  25% off franchise fee