[ FROM THE FDD ]

Sonic Drive-In's Item 20 shows a net decrease of 49 in its total unit count, franchised and company-owned, over the last reported year. Item 20 breaks the changes down by terminations, non-renewals, reacquisitions, ceased operations and transfers.

Source: FDD Item 20

[ VERIFIED // FDD 2026 ]

Sonic Drive-In

Report based on the 2026 FDD, issued March 26, 2026.

For Sonic Drive-In, the 2026 FDD estimates a total initial investment of $1,485,200 to $2,522,900 (Item 7).

Verified: Sep 29, 2026

7 RED FLAGS DETECTED
0/100
MURK SCORE
FRANCHISE SONAR MURK SCORE: OPAQUE(our band for scores 65 to 100)

Does Sonic Drive-In Have Franchise Litigation?

Litigation detected: 6 concluded, class action, affiliate government order.

[ FULL LITIGATION ANALYSIS LOCKED ]

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How Much Does a Sonic Drive-In Franchise Cost?

Royalty RateInitial InvestmentTotal UnitsNet Growth (1Y)

5.0%

percentage of gross sales

$1.5M to $2.5M

3,412

-49

Source: FDD Items 6, 7, 20

VERIFIED // CHECKED AGAINST THE FDD

What Does Sonic Drive-In's Item 19 Disclose About Earnings?

[ EARNINGS DATA LOCKED ]

Item 19 figures, each with the group it covers and its FDD page

[ RISK_ALERT ]

We found 7 red flags in Sonic Drive-In's FDD.

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We found 7 red flags in Sonic Drive-In's FDD.

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Essential Scan

$199

Fees, Item 19, outlets, lawsuits, finances

Covers the 2026 FDD

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$499

The due diligence package: all 23 Items

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[ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ]

Franchise Sonar provides independent analysis of franchise disclosure documents (FDDs) filed with state regulators. This is for informational purposes only and is NOT investment advice. Data extracted using automated technology; verify all financial information directly in the official FDD before making decisions. Murk Score measures disclosure completeness, not franchise quality. Sonic Drive-In is a trademark of its respective owner. Franchise Sonar is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with Sonic Drive-In.

[ OTHER QUICK-SERVICE RESTAURANTS FRANCHISES ]

0/100
MURK SCORE
Investment
$3.4M to $10.3M
Units
1,041
Royalty
4.0%
Franchise Fee
$65K
View Analysis →
0/100
MURK SCORE
Investment
$855K to $1.3M
Units
580
Royalty
5.0%
Franchise Fee
$35K
View Analysis →
0/100
MURK SCORE
Investment
$629K to $999K
Units
470
Royalty
6.0%
Franchise Fee
$40K
View Analysis →
1 red flag
0/100
MURK SCORE
Investment
$2.6M to $3.8M
Units
813
Royalty
4.0%
Franchise Fee
$35K
View Analysis →