Sonic Drive-In is a fast-food restaurant chain distinguished by its deal with carhop service, the place prospects park in designated stalls and order through an intercom system. Meals is then delivered on to their autos by carhops. This operational mannequin inherently features a drive-through lane for patrons preferring to order and obtain their meals with out leaving their vehicles.
The comfort of ordering and eating with out exiting one’s car has change into a major issue within the fast-food trade, notably for busy people and households. This drive-through service mannequin provides velocity and accessibility, contributing to Sonic’s sustained recognition. Traditionally, this deal with carhop service mixed with drive-through availability has differentiated Sonic from conventional dine-in fast-food institutions. This technique has confirmed profitable in establishing a novel model id and catering to evolving buyer preferences.
Additional exploration of Sonic’s operational mannequin can reveal insights into menu choices, regional variations, and the corporate’s evolution inside the aggressive fast-food panorama. Moreover, analyzing buyer demographics and repair improvements can present a deeper understanding of Sonic’s market positioning and future development potential.
1. Drive-Via
The assertion “Drive-Via: Out there” immediately solutions the question “does sonic have drive through.” It confirms a core operational side of Sonic Drive-In, differentiating it inside the fast-food panorama and contributing to its buyer enchantment. Understanding the implications of this availability requires analyzing varied sides of the Sonic expertise.
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Comfort and Pace
Drive-through availability provides prospects a fast and environment friendly strategy to order and obtain meals with out leaving their autos. This comfort is especially enticing to busy people or households, contributing to Sonic’s recognition as a fast-food choice. For example, a dad or mum with younger kids can order and obtain meals with out the logistical challenges of unloading and reloading automotive seats.
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Hybrid Service Mannequin
Sonic uniquely combines drive-thru service with its conventional drive-in stalls and carhop service. This hybrid mannequin provides prospects flexibility and selection. They will go for the normal expertise of ordering from a stall and having meals delivered carside, or select the velocity and anonymity of the drive-thru. This caters to a wider vary of buyer preferences.
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Accessibility and Adaptability
Drive-thru availability enhances accessibility, notably for people with mobility limitations. This function expands Sonic’s buyer base and aligns with broader tendencies in direction of inclusive service fashions inside the fast-food trade. The drive-thru additionally provides adaptability in varied climate situations, offering a sheltered ordering and pick-up expertise.
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Operational Effectivity and Throughput
From a enterprise perspective, drive-thru service can contribute to elevated operational effectivity and better throughput. The streamlined means of ordering and supply permits Sonic to serve extra prospects in much less time, doubtlessly maximizing income and profitability.
The supply of drive-thru service at Sonic is just not merely a practical side however a key element of its model id and operational technique. It immediately addresses the client want for comfort and velocity, enhances accessibility, and contributes to the corporate’s total effectivity. This multifaceted strategy distinguishes Sonic and solidifies its place inside the aggressive fast-food market.
2. Drive-In Stalls
Sonic Drive-In’s id is intrinsically linked to its conventional drive-in stalls. These stalls, the place prospects park and order through intercom, characterize a nostalgic connection to basic American automotive tradition. Whereas seemingly separate from the up to date comfort of a drive-through, the stalls contribute considerably to the general expertise and even affect buyer stream associated to drive-through utilization. They perform as a definite ordering level, typically most well-liked by prospects searching for a extra leisurely eating expertise, liberating up the drive-through lane for these prioritizing velocity. This separation of service kinds permits Sonic to cater to broader buyer preferences and maximize operational effectivity. For instance, households may want the house and luxury of a stall, whereas commuters may go for the fast in-and-out of the drive-through. The stalls, due to this fact, play an oblique but important position in optimizing drive-through availability and lowering wait occasions.
Moreover, the presence of drive-in stalls enhances the general model picture and reinforces Sonic’s distinctive market place. They visually distinguish Sonic from typical fast-food chains that solely depend on drive-through or walk-in service. This distinct aesthetic contributes to model recognition and buyer loyalty. Think about the impression of a crowded parking zone filled with vehicles parked at stalls; it creates a bustling environment, attracting consideration and doubtlessly drawing in additional prospects, together with those that may then make the most of the drive-through choice. This interaction between conventional options and fashionable service choices creates a synergistic impact, benefiting each the client expertise and Sonic’s enterprise operations.
In abstract, though drive-in stalls may seem as a separate service channel, they’re integral to the general effectiveness and enchantment of Sonic’s drive-through service. They provide an alternate eating expertise, handle buyer stream, and strengthen model id. Understanding this interconnectedness is essential for comprehending Sonic’s operational technique and its enduring success within the fast-food trade. The continued presence of drive-in stalls, even alongside fashionable drive-through lanes, highlights Sonic’s dedication to preserving its heritage whereas adapting to evolving client wants.
3. Carhop service
Carhop service is key to the Sonic Drive-In model, shaping its operational construction and buyer expertise. Whereas seemingly distinct from the drive-through, carhop service influences buyer stream, model notion, and even the effectivity of drive-through operations. Analyzing this interconnectedness gives important insights into how Sonic leverages its conventional service mannequin together with fashionable conveniences just like the drive-through.
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Model Differentiation and Nostalgia
Carhop service distinguishes Sonic from rivals relying solely on drive-through or counter service. It evokes a way of nostalgia, connecting with basic American automotive tradition and creating a novel eating expertise. This distinct id influences buyer selection, doubtlessly attracting people searching for a differentiated expertise past a normal drive-through. This distinctive enchantment can, in flip, drive site visitors to the whole Sonic location, together with these utilizing the drive-through choice.
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Operational Flexibility and Buyer Circulate
Carhop service provides an alternate ordering and supply methodology, permitting prospects preferring a extra leisurely eating expertise to make the most of the drive-in stalls. This diverts site visitors away from the drive-through lane, doubtlessly lowering wait occasions and bettering effectivity for patrons prioritizing velocity. For instance, households or teams may select to park and dine on the stalls, liberating up the drive-through for people searching for a faster meal.
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Customized Service and Buyer Engagement
Carhop service facilitates a extra personalised interplay between workers and prospects. This direct engagement can improve buyer satisfaction and foster loyalty. A pleasant carhop delivering meals with a smile creates a constructive expertise, differentiating Sonic from impersonal drive-through interactions at different institutions. This constructive expertise can translate into repeat enterprise and constructive word-of-mouth referrals, not directly supporting drive-through utilization as nicely.
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Operational Effectivity and Useful resource Allocation
Whereas seemingly including complexity, carhop service can contribute to operational effectivity. Devoted carhops deal with orders and deliveries for stalled prospects, permitting drive-through workers to focus completely on that lane. This division of labor streamlines processes and might enhance total service velocity. Furthermore, throughout peak hours, carhops can strategically handle order achievement, balancing demand between the drive-in and drive-through channels to optimize useful resource allocation.
In conclusion, the presence of carhop service, although a seemingly conventional component, considerably impacts the performance and effectiveness of Sonic’s drive-through. It differentiates the model, manages buyer stream, personalizes the expertise, and might even improve operational effectivity. Understanding this interconnectedness reveals how Sonic strategically integrates its core service component with fashionable conveniences to offer a complete and interesting buyer expertise. The continued success of Sonic demonstrates the viability of this hybrid strategy within the aggressive fast-food panorama.
4. Ordering course of
The intercom system types the spine of Sonic’s ordering course of, intrinsically linking the act of ordering with each the drive-in and drive-through experiences. This expertise facilitates a definite ordering methodology, separating Sonic from conventional fast-food chains that depend on face-to-face interplay at a counter or speaker field. This distinction is essential for understanding how the intercom system allows and enhances the “does Sonic have drive through” query’s affirmative reply. By enabling orders to be positioned immediately from a car, whether or not parked in a stall or shifting by means of the drive-through lane, the intercom system turns into the important hyperlink between buyer need and repair achievement. For instance, a buyer within the drive-through lane makes use of the intercom to position an order, then proceeds to the window for fee and pick-up, mirroring the method utilized by prospects parked in stalls. This parallel construction highlights the intercom system’s position in unifying each service channels underneath a single, environment friendly ordering mechanism.
The sensible significance of this method extends past mere order placement. It contributes to operational effectivity by permitting workers to organize orders prematurely, minimizing wait occasions and maximizing throughput. The intercom additionally facilitates clear communication, lowering errors and guaranteeing order accuracy. Moreover, the system enhances accessibility for people with listening to impairments, as quantity could be adjusted to particular person wants. This consideration underscores the system’s position in making a extra inclusive eating expertise. Think about, for example, a state of affairs with a excessive quantity of drive-through site visitors. The intercom system permits a number of orders to be processed concurrently, streamlining the stream of autos and minimizing congestion. This effectivity immediately advantages each the client expertise and Sonic’s operational effectiveness.
In conclusion, the intercom system performs a pivotal position in answering the query “does Sonic have drive through” affirmatively. It isn’t merely a communication instrument, however a defining component of the Sonic expertise, integrating the drive-in and drive-through service channels. It contributes considerably to operational effectivity, order accuracy, and accessibility, highlighting its important position in Sonic’s sustained success. Understanding the perform and significance of the intercom system is essential for greedy the nuances of Sonic’s operational mannequin and its distinctive place inside the fast-food trade. Additional evaluation might discover the evolution of this expertise inside the context of broader trade tendencies and its potential for future innovation.
5. Comfort
The supply of drive-through service at Sonic immediately addresses the up to date client demand for comfort. This comfort features as a key benefit, contributing considerably to Sonic’s market positioning and total success. The flexibility to order and obtain meals with out leaving one’s car immediately solutions the question “does Sonic have drive through” affirmatively, whereas concurrently highlighting a main advantage of this service mannequin. This connection between availability and comfort types a cornerstone of Sonic’s operational technique. Think about the state of affairs of a busy skilled grabbing a fast lunch. The drive-through permits them to acquire a meal effectively, minimizing disruption to their workday. This sensible software of comfort underscores its significance as a driving think about client selection.
The comfort provided by Sonic’s drive-through extends past mere velocity. It encompasses elements resembling accessibility for people with mobility limitations, adaptability to varied climate situations, and diminished interplay for these prioritizing privateness. For instance, a dad or mum with younger kids can make the most of the drive-through to keep away from the logistical challenges of unloading and reloading automotive seats. Equally, throughout inclement climate, the drive-through provides a sheltered ordering and pick-up expertise. These examples illustrate the multifaceted nature of comfort and its broad enchantment to numerous buyer demographics. This adaptability additional strengthens Sonic’s market place and reinforces the worth proposition of its drive-through service.
In conclusion, the comfort afforded by Sonic’s drive-through service is just not merely a supplementary function, however a core element of its model id and operational technique. It immediately solutions the query “does Sonic have drive through” whereas concurrently highlighting a important benefit within the aggressive fast-food panorama. Understanding the multifaceted nature of this comfort and its impression on client selection is crucial for analyzing Sonic’s market positioning and predicting its future trajectory. Additional exploration might analyze the evolving definition of comfort within the context of fixing client expectations and technological developments inside the fast-food trade.
6. Pace
Pace of service is a important issue influencing buyer satisfaction inside the fast-food trade, immediately impacting the general eating expertise. Within the context of “does Sonic have drive through,” velocity turns into a defining attribute of this service channel, differentiating it from the normal drive-in expertise. Analyzing the varied sides of velocity reveals its significance in shaping buyer perceptions and operational effectivity.
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Diminished Wait Occasions
Drive-through service is commonly chosen for its potential to scale back wait occasions in comparison with conventional dine-in and even drive-in ordering. Prospects using the drive-through count on a streamlined course of, from order placement to meals supply. For instance, a commuter with restricted time may select the drive-through particularly for its perceived velocity benefit. Assembly these expectations is essential for fostering constructive buyer experiences and repeat enterprise.
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Optimized Order Success
Sonic’s operational mannequin, incorporating intercom ordering and devoted drive-through lanes, can contribute to optimized order achievement. The flexibility to position orders prematurely permits for preparation to start earlier than the client reaches the window, minimizing delays. This streamlined course of distinguishes the drive-through expertise from the possibly longer wait occasions related to conventional carhop service on the drive-in stalls.
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Impression on Buyer Notion
Perceived velocity considerably influences buyer satisfaction. Even small delays can negatively impression the general eating expertise, notably for patrons prioritizing velocity and effectivity. For example, a protracted line on the drive-through can deter potential prospects, whereas swift service can create a constructive impression, encouraging repeat visits. Managing buyer expectations relating to velocity is due to this fact important for sustaining a constructive model picture.
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Operational Effectivity and Throughput
From a enterprise perspective, drive-through velocity immediately impacts operational effectivity and throughput. Environment friendly drive-through operations enable Sonic to serve a better quantity of shoppers in much less time, maximizing income potential. This deal with velocity necessitates streamlined processes, optimized staffing, and efficient expertise integration, all contributing to a extra worthwhile enterprise mannequin.
In conclusion, velocity is just not merely a fascinating attribute of Sonic’s drive-through service, however a defining attribute shaping buyer notion and operational success. The supply of a drive-through, due to this fact, immediately addresses the client want for velocity and effectivity, differentiating Sonic inside the aggressive fast-food panorama. Additional exploration might analyze the impression of technological developments, resembling cellular ordering and pre-payment choices, on additional optimizing drive-through velocity and enhancing the general buyer expertise. This ongoing evolution underscores the significance of velocity as a key differentiator within the fast-food trade.
7. Accessibility
The supply of drive-through service at Sonic, confirming the reply to “does Sonic have drive through,” considerably enhances accessibility for a wider vary of shoppers. This accessibility represents a vital side of enhanced service, extending past mere comfort and impacting people with numerous wants. The drive-through facilitates entry for folks with mobility limitations, eliminating the necessity to navigate parking heaps and restaurant interiors. This inclusivity broadens Sonic’s buyer base and displays a dedication to serving a various inhabitants. Think about, for instance, a person utilizing a wheelchair. The drive-through gives a sensible and dignified technique of accessing Sonic’s providers, highlighting the direct hyperlink between drive-through availability and enhanced accessibility. This connection underscores the significance of contemplating accessibility as a core element of service design inside the fast-food trade.
Moreover, the drive-through enhances accessibility in conditions past mobility impairments. Prospects with younger kids, aged companions, or these going through inclement climate profit from the convenience and shelter supplied by the drive-through. For example, throughout heavy rain, a dad or mum can order and obtain meals with out exposing their kids to the weather. This adaptability expands the definition of accessibility past bodily limitations to embody situational comfort. This broader perspective highlights the multifaceted nature of accessibility and its impression on the general buyer expertise. The drive-through, due to this fact, features as greater than only a service channel; it turns into a facilitator of inclusion and an enabler of handy entry for a wider vary of people.
In conclusion, the improved service provided by Sonic’s drive-through, immediately answering “does Sonic have drive through,” hinges considerably on the accessibility it gives. This accessibility extends past bodily limitations to embody situational comfort and inclusivity for numerous buyer demographics. Understanding this connection is essential for assessing the true worth and impression of drive-through service inside the fast-food trade. Future issues ought to deal with continued enhancements in drive-through design and expertise to additional improve accessibility and guarantee a constructive expertise for all prospects. This ongoing dedication to accessibility strengthens model picture and reinforces the social duty of companies inside the meals service sector.
8. Hybrid mannequin
Sonic’s hybrid mannequin, mixing conventional drive-in service with fashionable drive-through comfort, immediately addresses the “does Sonic have drive through” query whereas concurrently highlighting a key differentiator inside the aggressive fast-food panorama. This hybrid strategy permits Sonic to cater to a broader vary of buyer preferences and desires, contributing considerably to its enduring market presence. Analyzing the precise sides of this mannequin reveals its strategic significance and impression on the general Sonic expertise.
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Conventional Drive-In Expertise
The presence of drive-in stalls with carhop service preserves Sonic’s nostalgic connection to basic American automotive tradition. This conventional component attracts prospects searching for a novel eating expertise past the standard drive-through, providing a extra leisurely and personalised interplay. For instance, households or teams can get pleasure from a meal collectively within the consolation of their car, fostering a way of group and nostalgia. This selection, whereas distinct from the drive-through, contributes to the general model id and attracts a particular buyer phase, not directly influencing drive-through utilization by managing total buyer stream.
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Fashionable Drive-Via Effectivity
The inclusion of a drive-through lane caters to prospects prioritizing velocity and comfort. This contemporary component permits Sonic to compete successfully with different fast-food chains whereas concurrently providing a definite various by means of its drive-in service. A busy skilled, for example, can shortly seize a meal with out leaving their automotive, benefiting from the effectivity of the drive-through. This twin strategy ensures Sonic stays related to up to date client calls for whereas preserving its distinctive model heritage.
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Flexibility and Buyer Selection
The hybrid mannequin’s core energy lies in its flexibility and the expanded selection it provides prospects. People can choose the service model that most closely fits their wants, whether or not it is the nostalgic enchantment of the drive-in or the velocity of the drive-through. This adaptability caters to a wider vary of preferences and events, enhancing total buyer satisfaction. For instance, a buyer may select the drive-in on a weekend for a relaxed household meal, whereas choosing the drive-through throughout a busy weekday lunch break. This flexibility distinguishes Sonic from rivals providing a single service mannequin.
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Operational Synergy and Useful resource Optimization
Whereas seemingly disparate, the drive-in and drive-through parts of Sonic’s hybrid mannequin create operational synergy. The drive-in stalls can divert site visitors away from the drive-through lane throughout peak hours, optimizing buyer stream and minimizing wait occasions for each service kinds. This balanced strategy maximizes useful resource utilization and enhances total operational effectivity. For instance, devoted carhops can handle drive-in orders, permitting drive-through workers to focus completely on that lane, streamlining service and bettering velocity for each buyer segments.
In conclusion, Sonic’s hybrid mannequin, combining conventional drive-in stalls and fashionable drive-through service, gives a definitive reply to “does Sonic have drive through” whereas concurrently establishing a particular trait that units it aside inside the fast-food trade. This hybrid strategy enhances buyer selection, optimizes operational effectivity, and strengthens model id. Additional exploration might analyze the evolution of this hybrid mannequin in response to altering client preferences and technological developments, highlighting its adaptability and potential for future innovation.
Regularly Requested Questions
This FAQ part addresses frequent inquiries relating to drive-through availability at Sonic Drive-In, offering concise and informative responses.
Query 1: Is drive-through service universally out there in any respect Sonic places?
Whereas the overwhelming majority of Sonic Drive-In places supply drive-through service, occasional exceptions might exist on account of particular web site layouts or franchise operational selections. Confirming availability at a particular location is really helpful earlier than visiting.
Query 2: How does the drive-through expertise differ from the normal drive-in stalls at Sonic?
The drive-through provides a sooner, extra streamlined expertise for patrons prioritizing velocity and effectivity. Drive-in stalls, conversely, present a extra leisurely eating expertise with carhop service.
Query 3: Can the identical menu gadgets be ordered by means of the drive-through as on the drive-in stalls?
Typically, the total Sonic menu is on the market by means of each drive-through and drive-in ordering channels. Nonetheless, occasional exceptions might apply relying on particular location or operational limitations.
Query 4: Are fee strategies the identical for drive-through and drive-in orders at Sonic?
Most Sonic places settle for varied fee strategies at each the drive-through and drive-in stalls, together with money, credit score/debit playing cards, and generally cellular fee choices. Particular accepted strategies can differ by location.
Query 5: Throughout peak hours, are wait occasions considerably longer on the drive-through in comparison with the drive-in stalls?
Wait occasions at each drive-through and drive-in can differ relying on location-specific elements resembling buyer quantity and staffing ranges. Sonic’s operational mannequin, nevertheless, typically makes use of carhop service to steadiness demand and optimize total service velocity.
Query 6: Does Sonic supply any drive-through particular promotions or reductions?
Promotional provides and reductions can differ by location and time interval. Checking the precise Sonic app or native ads is really helpful for present offers relevant to drive-through orders. Contacting the precise location immediately may also present data on present promotions.
Understanding the nuances of drive-through service at Sonic enhances the general eating expertise. This FAQ part goals to deal with frequent queries, guaranteeing prospects could make knowledgeable selections primarily based on particular person preferences and desires.
Additional sections inside this text will discover extra points of the Sonic Drive-In expertise, together with menu choices, historic context, and future developments.
Ideas for Optimizing the Sonic Drive-Via Expertise
The next ideas present sensible steerage for maximizing effectivity and satisfaction when using drive-through service at Sonic Drive-In. These suggestions think about operational nuances and goal to boost the general buyer expertise.
Tip 1: Make the most of Cellular Ordering for Expedited Service
Pre-ordering by means of the Sonic cellular app can considerably scale back wait occasions on the drive-through. Orders are usually prepared for pick-up upon arrival, streamlining the method and maximizing effectivity.
Tip 2: Examine for Present Promotions and Offers
Reviewing the Sonic app or native ads earlier than arriving can reveal potential reductions and promotional provides relevant to drive-through orders, maximizing worth.
Tip 3: Think about Off-Peak Hours for Diminished Wait Occasions
Visiting the drive-through throughout much less busy durations, resembling mid-afternoon or late night, can reduce potential wait occasions and contribute to a extra environment friendly expertise.
Tip 4: Evaluation the Menu Beforehand to Expedite Ordering
Familiarizing oneself with the Sonic menu previous to arrival can expedite the ordering course of on the intercom, minimizing delays and enhancing total velocity of service.
Tip 5: Clearly Talk Order Particulars on the Intercom
Articulating orders clearly and concisely on the intercom reduces the chance of errors and ensures correct order achievement, minimizing potential delays or returns.
Tip 6: Have Fee Prepared on the Window for Swift Transactions
Having fee available upon reaching the drive-through window expedites the transaction course of, minimizing delays and sustaining environment friendly stream inside the drive-through lane.
Tip 7: Examine Order Accuracy Earlier than Departing the Drive-Via Lane
Briefly verifying order accuracy earlier than leaving the drive-through window prevents potential discrepancies and ensures immediate decision of any points, minimizing inconvenience.
Tip 8: Be Aware of Drive-Via Etiquette for a Easy Expertise
Sustaining applicable distance from different autos, refraining from extreme honking, and treating workers respectfully contributes to a smoother and extra environment friendly drive-through expertise for all patrons.
Implementing the following tips can considerably improve the effectivity and total satisfaction of Sonic’s drive-through service. Consideration to element and proactive planning contribute to a extra streamlined and constructive expertise.
The next conclusion summarizes the important thing points mentioned all through this exploration of drive-through service at Sonic Drive-In.
Conclusion
This exploration definitively confirms the provision of drive-through service at Sonic Drive-In, immediately addressing the core question “does sonic have drive through.” Evaluation reveals this service as a key element of Sonic’s hybrid operational mannequin, mixing conventional drive-in nostalgia with fashionable comfort. Key parts resembling carhop service, the intercom ordering system, and the emphasis on velocity and accessibility contribute to a definite buyer expertise. Understanding the interaction of those parts gives precious perception into Sonic’s market positioning and operational technique. Operational effectivity, buyer comfort, and model differentiation emerge as central themes linked to drive-through availability. The drive-through’s contribution to accessibility additional solidifies its significance inside Sonic’s service framework.
The enduring success of Sonic Drive-In underscores the effectiveness of its hybrid strategy. Drive-through availability, seamlessly built-in with the normal drive-in expertise, positions Sonic to adapt to evolving client preferences and keep relevance inside the aggressive fast-food panorama. Continued innovation and a customer-centric strategy will doubtless form the longer term trajectory of Sonic, guaranteeing its drive-through service stays a defining attribute and a key driver of continued development and market success.
