The Number of Sonic Drive-Ins in Every State [MAP]

Is there a more distinctly American institution than the Sonic Drive-In? You’d be hard-pressed to find one, what with sweet slushes, Ocean Waters, shakes, and gooey mozzarella sticks, all from roller-skating waiters.

In 1953, the first model of the drive-in restaurant opened in Shawnee, Okla., originally named Top Hat. The restaurant wowed diners with then-innovative curbside service, which let visitors order burgers without leaving their cars, and led to the catchphrase, “Service at the Speed of Sound” (i.e. the technical definition of “sonic”).

That speedy attention inspired its current identity and the name that most know it by. However, the reason for the change in name stemmed from a copyright conflict. Top Hat was already copyrighted, restricting the Oklahoma restaurant’s ability to expand. Following the adoption of the new name, and alongside entrepreneur Charlie Pappe, owner Troy Smith opened some 41 locations before Pappe’s death in 1967.

Over a half century later, Sonic Drive-In has expanded to a total of 3,549 locations across the United States. Some states clearly have a greater appetite for the restaurant than others, though. While Texas boasts nearly 1,000 drive-in locations, there are zero Sonics in Maine and New Hampshire.

With the popularity of the chain still growing, it’s no surprise that the recently launched Sonic Hard Seltzers are also a hit. Produced by COOP Ale Works in Oklahoma City, the line includes eight seltzers, three frozen offerings, and one hard sweet tea (though they aren’t offered at any of the chain’s restaurant locations).

Continue reading to learn the number of Sonic Drive-In locations in your state.

 

State	Number of Sonic Drive-Ins
Alabama	108
Alaska	3
Arizona	92
Arkansas	194
California	80
Colorado	80
Connecticut	6
Delaware	1
Florida	100
Georgia	94
Idaho	21
Illinois	50
Indiana	24
Iowa	10
Kansas	135
Kentucky	68
Louisiana	169
Maryland	15
Massachusetts	4
Michigan	18
Minnesota	5
Mississippi	124
Missouri	186
Montana	2
Nebraska	28
Nevada	25
New Jersey	15
New Mexico	74
New York	20
North Carolina	79
North Dakota	3
Ohio	37
Oklahoma	271
Oregon	14
Pennsylvania	22
Rhode Island	2
South Carolina	76
South Dakota	4
Tennessee	228
Texas	956
Utah	18
Virginia	53
Washington	20
West Virginia	7
Wisconsin	2
Wyoming	6