Sonic Drive-In considers Yakima

Oklahoma City may be getting the Seattle SuperSonics basketball team. But that city is sending back this way a Sonic -- drive-in, that is.

Officials of the rapidly growing chain that features carhops and in-vehicle dining confirm the popular Oklahoma City-based company intends to expand to Yakima. No projected opening date has been set.

Yakima is, however, on the company's list for expansion in 2008.

Several sites are under consideration, including a vacant site at South First Street and East Nob Hill Boulevard, said Drew Ritger, senior vice president of development for Sonic.

Ritger said the franchise owner for the Sonic Drive-In in Kennewick will operate the Yakima outlet.

"I think they are in preliminary discussions with the city about a site plan approval," Ritger said in a telephone interview Friday. "Once they are beyond that point, they will submit for a building permit."

City planners say they haven't received an application from Sonic.

Sonic Drive-In began in 1953 in Shawnee, Okla., and has since spread to nearly 3,400 outlets across the country. The vast majority are operated as franchises.

The company bills itself as the largest chain of drive-in restaurants in the country.

Ritger said Sonic has been looking at the Northwest for expansion, opening a store in Kennewick. A second Tri-Cities restaurant will open soon in Pasco.

Another restaurant is under construction in Vancouver, Wash., and Sonic has plans to enter the Wenatchee market, he said.

Other existing stores are in Spokane, Post Falls, Idaho, and Portland.

"We will never have the number of stores you see from other fast-food chains. We are a special niche," Ritger said. "We are a drive-in."