Ten area Sonic restaurants change hands; two permanently close
Ten local Sonic Drive-In restaurants in Central Ohio are part of a major reshuffling that is putting two of the locations out-of-business and transferring eight others to new ownership and management beginning on Monday. (WSYX/WTTE)
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ten local Sonic Drive-In restaurants in Central Ohio are part of a major reshuffling that is putting two of the locations out-of-business and transferring eight others to new ownership and management beginning on Monday.
The move came to light after reports that employees at several restaurants walked off the job upon learning of the news. Many viewers reached out to ABC 6 / FOX 28 complaining of the shuttered stores, but self-identified employees at those locations did not return messages asking for comment.
Restaurants on East Main Street in Whitehall and South Hamilton Road in Madison Township have permanently closed, per the company. Locations included in the ownership and management change are:
- 1031 Gemini Place, Columbus OH
- 2846 Stelzer Road, Columbus, OH
- 3250 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH
- 6206 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH
- Grove City, OH
- Heath, OH
- Lancaster, OH
- Circleville, OH
The corporate offices for Sonic Drive-In acknowledged some employee difficulties in a broader statement announcing the change.
Effective Monday, February 25, eight SONIC Drive-Ins in the Columbus, Ohio market will be under new ownership and management. SRI Operating Company, an affiliate of the SONIC franchisor and operator of SONIC Drive-Ins across the nation, is in the process of purchasing these drive-ins from a franchisee.
Under new management, guests and the community can look forward to improved service and the famous food, beverages and treats for which SONIC is known. Employees working for the local drive-in can look forward to fun, fast-paced work on which they can build a career, if they choose. Most current employees will have the opportunity to continue to work at the drive-in under the new ownership.
The Circleville and Lancaster SONIC Drive-Ins along with others in the market will re-open on Monday morning under new management. We recognize that changes like this can be difficult for employees to understand, but are pleased that most current employees will have the opportunity to continue working at the drive-in.
We look forward to being a part of the community for decades to come and appreciate the opportunity to serve our guests every day.
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