These Are The Only States Without A Sonic Location
Can you guess how many drink combinations are available at Sonic Drive-In? It's not simply a dozen or hundreds, but rather in the realm of a million. Crazy, huh? In fact, enjoying Dr. Van Limer (Dr. Pepper with lime and vanilla), Orange Creamsicle (Sprite with orange syrup and cream), and Purple Sprite (Powerade, lemonade, Sprite, and cranberry juice) makes it feel like summer year-round (via Thrillist).
Of course, those are just fountain drinks. The popular chain also offers seven standard milkshake flavors, according to its menu, but allows mixing and matching to create even more combinations, as well as a wide range of fruity slushies. Plus, when you order online or in the app, drinks and slushes are half-price.
Though its drink menu is extensive, Sonic also offers a wide range of food options, including cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, tater tots, onion rings, and more to satisfy all your comfort cravings. With more than 3,500 U.S, locations, chances are, you've seen several throughout the years — unless you live in one of four states without a single Sonic storefront.
The chain prides itself on its unique service
The first Sonic drive-in opened in 1953 in Shawnee, Oklahoma, according to the fast-food chain's website, under the name Top Hat — though it wasn't the first drive-in restaurant. Kirby's Pig Stand opened in Dallas in 1921, states Smithsonian Magazine. From there, car hop services at restaurants increased in popularity — Johnnie's in Tupelo, Mississippi, was even reportedly a favorite spot of Elvis Presley!
Thanks to its curbside speakers, Sonic's ordering process became revolutionary, as customers could easily remain in their cars and order with the touch of a button. Employees would then glide out of the kitchen on roller skates to deliver the food. This unique serving process is part of the chain's charm, and thanks to the speed of the skates, the slogan "Service at the Speed of Sound" was born. Eventually, Top Hat became Sonic, the name we know and love today.
Most states can enjoy Sonic's food
In all, 46 states across the country have Sonic locations, according to the company's website. Unfortunately, the four states without a single storefront can't fulfill their cravings for multi-flavored milkshakes or slushies. Residents of Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont might be missing out, but there's always a chance a new location could pop up locally. Until then, residents of those states will have to make a road trip to the next nearest Sonic.
Despite not having a single franchise in those states, people there might still see commercials for the drive-in, reports Business Insider. That's because the chain purchases its commercials nationwide due to cheaper rates and better placement during airtime. However, there is a second motive: Customers might be curious and start looking into Sonic after seeing its commercials. Then, when a location eventually opens in their state, they may be curious to make the drive to grab a bite.