Sonic Drive In vs Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Sonic Drive In vs Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Sonic Drive In Franchise
Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries Franchise
Investment $1,242,000 - $3,523,300$153,925 - $249,925
Franchise Fee $45,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 2.45-5%5%
Advertising Fee 3%1%
Year Founded 19541991
Year Franchised 19591993
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Renewal Fee 10 years for $6K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Sonic Drive In Franchise
Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • If no industry experience, must have an operating equity partner
  • We're looking for individuals with: *Strong business experience *A commitment to quality food & customer service *Restaurant industry know-how


    Financing Options

     
    Sonic Drive In Franchise
    Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries 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
    Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 400 hours Classroom Training: 24 hours Additional Training: At existing franchise location

    Full training program Hwy 55 will send trained representatives to work with you and your team at your restaurant for a total of 10 working days. We will assist with 5 on-site pre-opening days and 5 on-site post-opening days. We reserve the right to stay longer to ensure a successful opening. Costs of the training program are included in your franchise fee; however, all travel and lodging costs will be at the franchisee’s expense. On-The-Job Training: 40 hours Classroom Training: 40 hours

    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Franchisee Intranet Platform Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Email marketing Loyalty program/app

    We have established and will administer a Marketing/Advertising fund on behalf of the Hwy 55 brand to provide national or regional creative materials for the benefit of your Hwy 55 location. We currently require Hwy 55 Franchisees to contribute 1% of gross sales for each restaurant to the Marketing/Advertising fund. In addition to contributions described above, we recommend you spend annually throughout the term of the franchise agreement, 2% of gross sales of the restaurant for local advertising in your primary area of responsibility. This amount is not paid to us, but rather is spend by you at your discretion. As a member of your local business community, you know the best local advertising opportunities. 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 Number of Employees Required to Run: 20 - 50

    Expansion Plans

     
    Sonic Drive In Franchise
    Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion NoYes

    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 Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries

    A retro-themed diner that features fresh, never-frozen hand-pattied burgers, house-made frozen custard, and other classic favorites in a unique open-kitchen setting, was founded in Goldsboro, North Carolina in 1991. Hwy 55 reflects founder Kenney Moore's commitment to authentic hospitality and fresh food. Widely known in the state for its fresh food and service that exceeds expectations, the chain won BurgerBusiness.com's "Best Burger" in 2012. It also was recently named a top 500 franchise in the United States by Entrepreneur magazine and a "Next 20" restaurant brand by Nation's Restaurant News. Hwy 55 currently has 121 locations in 10 states, Denmark and the United Arab Emirates. Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries has been serving up good times and great food since 1991. We've achieved a lot in the last over 25 years, growing to over 100 restaurants across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Ohio and Florida, with 500 more locations scheduled to open. During that time, our mission has remained the same: to provide each guest with world-class service and fresh food in a family atmosphere. 
    Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries fits a niche between fast food and casual dining, offering the customer the best benefits of both segments. We provide the convenience of fast food, with rapid response times and an affordable menu, but with a twist: our freshly made food is a much tastier alternative to typical pre-cooked hamburgers and french fries.

     The Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries franchise program is designed for the growth of the individual and the company; it's not an investment, it's a family.
    The amount of the Area Development Fee will depend on the number of Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries restaurants to be developed under the Area Development Agreement, and will be calculated as follows: $25,000 for the first Hwy 55 restaurant plus a deposit of $12,000 for each additional Hwy 55 restaurant to be opened under that agreement. For example, if you will develop three Hwy 55 restaurants, the Area Development Fee is calculated as $25,000 + (2 x $12,500 = $25,000) = $50,000.
    Veteran Incentives  10% off franchise fee