Drive-In-Loving Franchisees, Take Note: Sonic to Open 1,000 Restaurants in Next 10 Years The burger chain is eyeing an aggressive expansion plan over the next decade.

By Kate Taylor

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Sonic, home of the rollerblading server, is on a roll as the franchise pushes to expand.

Today, the burger chain announced plans to open 1,000 new drive-ins in the next 10 years. The Oklahoma City-based chain, which has 3,500 locations concentrated in the South and Central Plains, is hoping to expand more fully into coastal regions.

The franchise reportedly expects to open 40 to 50 new restaurants this year, and to add 60 to 70 outlets in 2015 and 80 to 90 the year after. For comparison, the chain only opened 27 drive-ins in 2013.

"Our growth strategy will focus on identifying current and new franchise partners to develop drive-ins in established locations, areas with low penetration and completely untouched markets," said Sonic's chief development and strategy officer John Budd in a statement.

Related: Chick-fil-A Tries to Appeal to New Yorkers By Updating Image

Earlier this year, Sonic pledged to open 300 drive-ins by 2020 in the relatively Sonic-free state of California. This year, Sonic has already signed franchise agreements for 24 new drive-ins in Los Angeles and upstate New York.

"We know that people across the country see our commercials and crave our food – we hear from them all the time," said Budd in a statement. "Now, we want to be able to meet the demand."

Sonic's sales have supported the company's plan for growth so far in 2014. In the company's second quarter, the chain reported a 1.4 percent growth in same-store sales, with net incoming totaling $4.1 million, compared to $3.6 million in the same period in 2013.

As the franchise expands, one of its biggest challenges will be making its distinctive brand palatable from coast-to-coast. Customers in crowded cities and chillier northern climates are less likely to embrace the drive-in concept that has allowed Sonic to thrive in the central U.S. However, Sonic seems ready to adjust to Northern tastes: Buffalo Sonic restaurants will feature an enclosed dining areas, where guests can eat in their car or seated at a table.

Related: Sonic Looks to Conquer Tougher Markets on Encouraging Q1 Results

Kate Taylor

Reporter

Kate Taylor is a reporter at Business Insider. She was previously a reporter at Entrepreneur. Get in touch with tips and feedback on Twitter at @Kate_H_Taylor. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Innovation

4 Ways Market Leaders Use Innovation to Foster Business Growth

Forward-thinkers constantly strive to diversify and streamline their products and services, turning novelties into commodities desired by many.

Business News

JPMorgan Shuts Down Internal Message Board Comments After Employees React to Return-to-Office Mandate

Employees were given the option to leave comments about the RTO mandate with their first and last names on display — and they did not hold back.

Business News

Your Old Apple AirPods Can Soon Act as an Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid, According to the FDA

The new software is compatible with the Apple AirPods Pro and accessible through iOS — for free and now FDA-authorized.

Business Process

The Best Times, Days and Months To Post on YouTube (2023)

When is the best time to post YouTube videos to maximize their effect? Discover the best time to post on YouTube in this detailed guide.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Leadership

From Elite Athletes to Tech Titans — Discover the Surprising $100-Million Habit That Leads to Extraordinary Success

Success comes from mastering focus, eliminating distractions and prioritizing what truly matters.