Drive-in restaurants have seen a decline in number since their peak popularity, yet chains like Sonic Drive-In remain a staple in many parts of the United States. In San Antonio, however, the landscape is changing as more Sonic locations appear to be shuttering their doors. Since 2024, at least five Sonic Drive-In restaurants have closed in the area, specifically at 5221 De Zavala Road, 422 S. Zarzamora Street, 6111 Ingram Road, 13131 Nacogdoches Road, and 2325 Pat Booker Road.
Several other Sonic establishments have been closed for an extended period and are now vacant, featuring boarded-up windows and “for sale” signs. Notably, the Sonic at 1611 S. General McMullen Drive has been unoccupied for some time.
Despite the closures, there is a silver lining. Commercial real estate platforms like LoopNet are listing former Sonic locations for sale, highlighting their potential for new ventures. Interestingly, many of these sites have found new life as different types of businesses, moving beyond the original drive-in concept. For instance, a former Sonic on Fredericksburg Road has been transformed into Kung Fu BaoBao, a unique dining experience specializing in steamed buns.
Attempts to contact Sonic for comments regarding the recent closures and their perspective on the San Antonio market have yet to yield a response. While the future of Sonic Drive-Ins in San Antonio remains uncertain, the adaptability of former locations points towards an evolving culinary landscape ready to embrace fresh concepts.