Sonic Drive-In Franchise Cost (2025)
Complete cost breakdown for Sonic Drive-In franchise: $1676K–$3141K investment, 5% royalty, franchise fee, and ongoing costs. From the official 2025 FDD.
Source: 2025 FDD filed in MN
Total Investment
$1.7M–$3.1M
Franchise Fee
$11K–$15K
Non-refundable
Royalty
5%
Gross Sales
Ad Fund
3.25%
Gross Sales
Ongoing Fees
Monthly and annual costs after opening.
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Royalty | 5% of gross sales | |
| Ad Fund | 3.25% of gross sales |
Revenue Context
Average Revenue
$1.6M
From Item 19 (2025 FDD)
Investment-to-Revenue Ratio
1.1x
Lower is better (min inv ÷ avg rev)
Annual Fee Burden
8.3%
Royalty + ad fund as % of gross sales
At average revenue of $1.6M, you'd pay approximately $79K/year in royalties alone, plus $52K/year in ad fund contributions.
Other Upfront Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Development Fee | $10K |
| Site Design Fee (PSL) | $1K |
| Kitchen Layout Design Fee (PKL) - New Restaurant | $1K |
| Kitchen Layout Design Fee (PKL) - Remodeling | $750 |
| Training Fee (General Manager Leadership Class) | $200 |
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