New Sonic Drive-In Gets Warm Welcome From Alsip

ALSIP, IL — The long awaited opening of the new Sonic Drive-in will finally make its debut in Alsip. The latest big-name fast casual chain will throw open its doors at 6 a.m. Friday, April 1, at 11915 S. Pulaski Road.

Mayor John Ryan, Alsip Police Chief Jay Miller, Fire Chief Tom Styczynski and members of the Alsip Chamber of Commerce welcomed the new business with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, as the Sonic crew practiced for the grand opening and getting acquainted with the equipment during a family and friends dress rehearsal.

The new location has been causing quite a buzz on neighborhood social media and is a welcome addition to the area’s casual fast food landscape. Hearkening back to the mid-20th century drive-ins, the new Sonic features four stalls, a drive-thru and covered picnic tables and benches.

Formerly a Checkers restaurant, franchise owner Faiza Reza decided to change brands last year, looking for something that offered a wider menu. This is Reza’s second Sonic franchise. She also owns and operates a Sonic in Romeoville.

“Sonic is a newer brand with multiple locations in the U.S.,” Reza said. “It’s a younger generation brand. A plus factor is the stalls. People can order here and eat in their cars with their families, or sit out by the picnic tables and listen to music piped outside.”

Founded in 1953, Sonic is based in Oklahoma City. It is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants, which includes Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John’s Sandwiches and Rusty Taco.

The restaurant chain first gained fame for its fresh cut and hand-battered onion rings, a process still followed today. Sonic features hamburgers, fries, hot dogs, chicken, slushes, milkshakes, soft drinks, combos and desserts. It is the largest drive-in brand in the US with more than 3,600 restaurants, according to its website.

Sonic, 11951 S. Pulaski Road, Alsip, is open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. Online ordering is available through the Sonic app.

The Alsip location presently employs a crew of 35 to 40 people, but is still hiring for the summer months. Apply online for Sonic jobs on Snag-A-Job.