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Sonic Drive-In: An Oklahoma Original
By Andy Lee
The first Sonic Drive-In restaurant was opened in 1953 in Shawnee, Oklahoma by Troy Smith. Known as Top Hat Drive-In at the time, the restaurant was a small drive-in that served hot dogs, burgers, and root beer in frosty mugs.
The idea for the restaurant came from Smith’s desire to create a unique dining experience that combined fast service with high-quality food. He wanted to create a place where families could go to enjoy a meal and spend time together in a fun and casual setting.
In the early days, the restaurant was a small, local business that catered to the residents of Shawnee. However, as word spread about the restaurant’s delicious food and fast service, more and more people began to visit the Top Hat Drive-In.
By the late 1950s, the restaurant had become so popular that Smith began to expand his business. He changed the name of the restaurant to Sonic and began opening new locations across Oklahoma and other states.
One of the keys to Sonic’s success was its unique drive-in concept. Customers would park their cars in a designated spot and order their food through an intercom system. The food would then be brought out to their car by a carhop, who would attach a tray to the car window to hold the food.
Over the years, Sonic has continued to innovate and evolve. In the 1960s, the restaurant introduced new menu items like onion rings and tater tots. In the 1970s, they began offering breakfast items and expanded their drink menu to include a wide range of soft drinks, slushes, and shakes.
Today, Sonic is one of the largest drive-in restaurant chains in the world, with over 3,500 locations in 46 states. Despite its size, the company has stayed true to its roots, continuing to offer high-quality food, fast service, and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. The story of the first Sonic Drive-In is a testament to the power of innovation and the importance of creating a unique and memorable customer experience. By combining great food with fast service and a fun atmosphere, Troy Smith created a restaurant that has stood the test of time and become a beloved American institution.
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