As the nations largest drive-in chain, SONIC has successfully served up hot, fresh, delicious made-to-order food for more than 60 years. SONICs founder, Troy Smith Sr. opened his first drive-in in 1953 in Shawnee, OK, under the Top Hat Drive-in name. It was just a root beer stand, but he had big dreams. He expanded on his own before teaming up with Charlie Pappe. In 1959, the SONIC Drive-in name was born and franchising began. Today, we franchise and operate more than 3500 SONIC Drive-ins.