Two Columbus area Sonic Drive-In stores close after property leases expire
Editor’s note: The Ledger-Enquirer asked Sonic Drive-In media representatives about area closures on April 17 but did not receive a response before this article’s deadline. This story has been updated to reflect new information about open and closed locations.
Two of the seven Sonic Drive-In locations in the Chattahoochee Valley have closed due to lease expirations.
According to the restaurant’s online store locator page Wednesday, all Sonic Drive-In locations in the area are closed through at least May 5. However, multiple locations are currently in operation around Columbus and Phenix City.
Locations in bold are the ones now closed:
1810 Wynnton Road, Columbus
1705 Manchester Expressway, Columbus
3507 Summerville Road, Phenix City
3464 Victory Drive, Columbus
5555 Whittlesey Blvd Lot 13, Columbus
5586 Milgen Road, Columbus
2100 Frederick Road, Opelika
On Wednesday afternoon, employees at the Manchester Expressway and Whittlesey Boulevard locations could not clarify why their company website listed their stores as closed even though they were in operation.
Around 4 p.m., Christy Woodworth, vice president of advertising for Sonic Drive-Ins, told the Ledger-Enquirer the closure listings are an issue the company is “quickly remedying” today.
The seven locations recently saw an “ownership change,” Woodworth said. Additionally, the Wynnton Road and Victory Drive property leases expired and have since closed permanently.
As of Monday, the Wynnton Road store has taken down all menu signage, outdoor tables and chairs, and completely removed equipment from inside of the store.
According to a press release, Sonic Drive-In locations that are open amid the coronavirus pandemic allow individuals to order at the drive-thru, as well as order on the Sonic Drive-In app for contactless payment.
The Wynnton Road location has taken down all menu signage, outdoor tables and chairs, and completely removed equipment from inside of the store, suggesting that their closure is more permanent.
This story was originally published April 22, 2020 at 2:41 PM.