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Sonic Drive-In
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Sonic Drive-In Complaints 1808

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8:07 am EDT
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Sonic Drive-In roach infested sandwich

We ordered a chicken club sandwich and found a cockroach in it, unfortunately my wife had partially eaten it before discovery. The supposed owner of this franchise (Jim Baird) was rude and verbally abusive when contacted. Please avoid the Sonic at 306 W. Covell in Edmond, OK. Cleanliness is obviously an issue with this Sonic.

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Denise Painter
Easley, US
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Aug 11, 2010 11:28 pm EDT

Sometimes you aren't in a position to go back to the restaurant, even under the worst of conditions. I once ordered two burgers and a soda at another fast food franchise after leaving a doctor's office across town from my employer. I get back to work, hit my desk, open my bag to find that both sandwiches had cheese which I had emphasized I did not want not once but twice (I am lactose intolerant) and my soda was supposed to be diet but was regular (I have diabetic issues as well). So, in essence, I had no lunch and was out over $5.00. I also couldn't leave work to travel 20 minutes back across town. When I called the restaurant, they asked that I bring everything back and they would make it right. When I explained the situation, they told me they didn't give credits or rain checks. I was so very tempted to take the food out, leave it in my hot car in the sun then take it back that evening but it wasn't worth the effort or spite...instead I told all of my friends, changed my facebook status for a day to recommend avoiding that restaurant, and twittered it to everyone on my list. Within six months the local franchise of that chain was completely closed. As a former restaurant manager I realize that everyone makes mistakes, but no matter where you work it is your job to give the customer what they have purchased, with reasonable expectations of cleanliness and appropriate temperature. If you don't you aren't doing your job and you don't need to be in it. Just my two cents.

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8:44 am EDT
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Sonic Drive-In treat customer bad

One night and the first night I had been to sonic I was there with my boyfriend we were talking and talking for a long time that we forgot to order something and they closed well we thaought that it was ok for us to stay there but next thing u no the manager called the cops on us it was a very bad experience that will be the last time I ever go to Sonic.

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1:23 pm EDT
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Sonic Drive-In unprofesssinal staff

I was hired on at Sonic as a fountain person. When I arrived I was not trained on anything and the guy that was supposed to be training me was very unprofessional. He was using profanity the whole time and everything he was trying to explain to me was wrong. I was not even trained and he expected me to get everything the first time. He was very rude. He started throwing things and this was my first night on the job and he expected me to already know the job without even having Sonic experience. I never experienced nothing like this. Also other empolyees that work there were very bossy and rude with no respect. I was put ont he schedule only two nights a weeek and those nights made to go home after only being there two hours. I called in sick one day and was fired because the rude manager said I only work two nights a week which was not my fault and I am not dependable. This action was unacceptable because you do not fire a person for being sick. I will report her to the Dept. of Labor. Also the manager needs to be terminated.

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Surething318
US
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Aug 02, 2011 10:39 pm EDT

Exactly the same thing happened to me. I was fired after 2 months of working there because " I didn't have the right personality for the job and wasn't catching on fast enough" I was never trained and only learned how to do drive thru. I really hope all sonics aren't managed this way. They only make up things to fire you just because they don't like you.

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thepalletboss
Kansas City, US
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Jun 21, 2010 12:12 pm EDT

Sonic has a corporate complaint line. It is [protected]. Please be sure to call this number if you want your voice to be heard. If they hear from all of us, they may change their policies.

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7:22 am EST
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I am currently employed with this ridiculous ### company! Reason why i'm still here is because i'm still young only 21 in college and need a job to pay for school and get by! Anyways I was transfered to a store that is like 20 minutes away which i didn't mind driving to with my promised raise and promotion! none of which i was given. The store 5071 from...

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3:40 pm EST
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Sonic Drive-In Scalding Hot Coffee

I am a chronic coffee drinker who enjoys several cups of coffee daily. Over the years, I have drank all kinds of coffee, and I have spilled a lot of coffee. Today however, while in-town for a doctor appt, I decided to stop at Sonic in Lawrence, KS to order breakfast & a coffee. While transferring the coffee from the foam cup to my insulated mug, some of the coffee spilled over top of my hand, & in I practically jumped out of my seat, it was so hot. My hand turned flaming red & felt like it was on fire. The pain was excruciating. When I got home, I immediately applied aloe gel & an ice pack. I had to keep the ice pack on & off for 5hrs until the burning finally calmed down. I am now left with at least a 1st degree burn over the entire back of my hand & several fingers. I am furious that Sonic could allow it's coffee to be served so hot. After thinking back, I can remember on one other occasion when I visitied the same Sonic & could not drink my coffee for 20 min, because it was too hot & singed the tip of my tongue. Coming from someone who enjoys hot beverages, & can drink freshly poured from the pot coffee, that is pretty bad. There is no reason whatsoever, that any restaurant should serve consumers hot drinks that are 1 degree shy of boiling.

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Ed_7m
US
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May 04, 2011 11:45 pm EDT
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common sense is now uncommon sense.

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GreenLoving
Youngsville, US
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Apr 28, 2011 7:52 am EDT

Are you serious? The last time I checked the coffee was supposed to be really hot
Plus they cant control it anyway. We have a machine where all we do is press a button and it comes out.
They cant help how "hot" it is =/ Do what most people do when they get coffee, blow and let it cool off before drinking.

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9:47 am EST
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Sonic Drive-In anyone with a complaint

This is a simple solution to your complaints regarding Sonic Drive-In's across America. If you experience a problem, simply call 1800-OKSONIC. The customer service representatives will resolve your issue and send a trouble ticket to the affected store and the store franchisee. If problems are not resolved at a store, the store can be stripped of franchisee rights and be forbidden to open.

Thank you for reading.

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Amber89
Fort Smith, US
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Jun 17, 2014 10:35 am EDT
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I was told that they wasn't going to give me my last pay check until real late but they would be closed when I would be able to get it. They pay you at really horrible times especially the sonic ion Zero St in Fort Smith, AR.

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DHB
Starkville, US
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Oct 08, 2011 6:16 am EDT

The number is actually 1-866-OK-SONIC. The information provided about the hotline is mostly true with one huge exception. Priority complaints, as we call them, have no bearing whatsoever on the franchise agreement between the owner and Sonic Corp. Franchise rights cannot be stripped because of priority complaints, only for such things that fall into the category of failure to operate in accordance to the franchise agreement. This includes issues such as not ordering the correct food from the correct place, unsanitary work practices, or failure to pay royalties. Please don't go blasting anyone with complaints and threaten to have their franchise rights revoked. The partner will most likely laugh at you when you say this.

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cathe watson
Columbus, US
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Jul 06, 2010 5:19 pm EDT
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after calling in a complaint about being charged for extra flavorings and not receiving them (happened on more than one occasion), i decided to try again...it was 2:15p.m. during happy hour...again it happened...i opened the lid to check and i did not see the extra flavoring of extra lime and extra strawberries in my strawberry limeade... the drink tasted watered down...when i asked the lady at the window - operator #3 if the flavorings were added, she called back and asked someone and they assured her they were put in...the drink actually tastes like someone left some of their drink and just filled the rest up with ice and water...this happened on shift: c and the tkt# is 0166...the phone number listed on my ticket is [protected] and it is to a fax machine...the store #is 3507 and is located on manchester expressway in columbus, ga...it is sad that a business with a product as tasty as the properly made strawberry limeade would not care to make it the best they can...cathe watson, 1121 30th street, columbus, ga 31904...phone number is [protected]

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5:19 pm EST
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Sonic Drive-In don't work for this horrible company

I have Worked for this company for 3 years & never got 1 raise. they don't give 10 min. payed breaks. [under california laws it is required] the Manager Vanessa & General Manager Dago are HORRIBLE to work with. I don't close & Vanessa waited till 9 mins. after my shift to tell me what else I needed to do never taking in the fact i was not use to closing [or say thank you for taking care of the new girl]. she cussed & yelled at me I Even found a packet of Ketcup in my skate the next day. [compliaments of Vanessa] & she had wrote a nasty note in tha locker room for me & everyone else to see. NEVER waste your money at a horrible fast food place that can barely pass health expection regulations.

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BadSonicBAD
Falcon, US
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Jun 13, 2010 5:16 pm EDT
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AAAWW! I'm sorry ya had to go thru that! I'm still waiting for HR to call me back or email me or something! But they're ignoring me. Also my GM and Co-manager are making it impossible to work for them! If someone is hiring out there, i would've taken that job. Unfortunatly, who wants to hire a 6 month preg girl? So i gotta wait till my son's born, but the prob is, i'll lose my house before then. :-(

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MC2X
Slidell, US
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Mar 30, 2010 10:01 pm EDT

I agree I worked at sonic in Slidell LA for 3 mos right when i turned 16 years old. Horrible management, hourly wages were way too low for the bs a worker deals with . i was fired for missing a meeting then i slammed the business to the ground they showed favoritism to other workers, made me work off the clock, and made fun of me just cause my music preference was metal. I was rehired because i almost had 6 managers fired.I ended up quitting the next day (basically giving them a huge middle finger)had a new job that paid $3 more an hr. I refuse to ever buy any sonic products, they can rot in hell for all i care. If you decide to work fast food i highly recommend Burger King. MCD not to much but is way better than the sloppy management at sonic. I no longer work fast food but i defend this person's complaint. I' m using sonic as a bad company example in my college business class.

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4:35 pm EST
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Sonic Drive-In product

I went to sonic today, wanting to get a sonic blast with extra Reese's and a strawberry milkshake for my mother. A few minutes laterm the carhop arrives at my car with a strawberry milkshake filled to the rim, and my sonic blast with Reese's and whipped cream on top. If you have ever gotten one of these, you know that the blast usually comes up above the rim of the cup into the clear top. Not today! Today my blast was double cupped and was only half way full- even with the whipped cream on top. I pressed the order button again, but instead of ordering another rip off item, I asked them if there was some reason why my blast was half-way filled with ice cream. She said they would have someone right out. I told them to forget it. I wanted them to know of their mistake, but I didn't want spit in my food. I mean, c'mon, if they wanted to save money, they could stop putting an empty cup under everything I order and GIVE ME MY ICE CREAM! argh!

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GreenLoving
Youngsville, US
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Apr 28, 2011 7:14 am EDT

Honestly most people joke about messing with peoples food but never do anything about it. Worst thing we ever did was write mean words with mustard or mayo on their burgers.
But i agree with the person above. You shouldnt have gotten so mad and calmly asked for it to be fixed
They could have had a new worker who messed up cause beleive it or not ive had a girl barly fill up a blast and she had no idea why i was getting mad at her.

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annanicole
Logansport, US
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Apr 07, 2010 5:21 pm EDT
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First of all, you are absolutely correct in the fact that your shake should not have been double cupped. There are signs posted and they told us in training to NEVER double cup an order. Throw it away and start again.

However, it sounds to me like the manager tried to remedy the problem that he/she was not responsible for and you not only refused the service but were rude. Believe it or not, not everyone who makes crap wages spits in people's food. I have had to take my order back to McDonald's several times because of mistakes. I am always polite and the problem is always fixed. I'm sure the situation would be remedied if you would take a step back and realize that these people barely make minimum wage. They don't get paid enough to deal with people like you.

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5:56 pm EST
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Sonic Drive-In missing food in order

I went to sonic with my family and we ordered
1 jr dlx hamburger 1.00
1 wp bgr 2.99
1 mozz stk 2.79
1wp dt coke 0.00
1sm dt coke 1.00
1 pc marinnara 0.00

I did not get my marinnara sauce, and when I got my hambuger there was not a buger.

Never again will I ever order from any sonic!

Thank you!

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Update by GHADA
Feb 06, 2010 5:58 pm EST

it is time somebody stands up to them

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pippinpopper
US
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Feb 07, 2010 7:04 pm EST

WHAT?no spittle (OR OTHER FOREIGN SUBSTANCES! ) IN THE "SPECIAL SAUCE"?NO HOOTCH FOR SALE WITH THE "KARMA-BURGER"SHEEEESH- I WOULDN'T GO THERE---PROBABLY GET MUGGED BY A RABID SQUIRREL!

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7:59 pm EST
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i arrived at sonic at 1:45 pm on 01/31/2010.When i placed my order i new that happy had not started, but i had a coupon for a route 44 drink for .99 cents .I explained this to the person that took my order, as i was waiting on my order which was not only the beverage but food as well, i noticed that people that had arrived after me was getting the order...

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12:28 am EST
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Sonic Drive-In labor/hours/pay

A loved one who suffers health problems is paid about $3/hour by this company and was just put to work on 3 12-hour shifts. This company is exploitive.

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Jasmine G
Spring, US
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Jun 07, 2015 6:51 am EDT

I worked for sonic in spring tx off of louetta near Klein high school. I was never given my last pay check. When I went to get it I was told I had to wait on a manager to give it to me . So I called to find out when the manager would be on duty and was given the run around. Every time I went I was told some thing new. Until the last time I was told oh it was mailed to you . It's Been two weeks, since the check is in the mail. still no paycheck. They just ripped me off...

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Expect Respect
Lake Charles, US
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Sep 07, 2013 9:25 pm EDT

9-6-2013
8:06 pm
Sonic Prien Lake Rd Lake Charles LA
Sonic Ryan Street Lake Charles LA

Parked my car and got my order together - pushed button - male came on intercom said something I couldn't understand ending with for our carhops safety. Pushed button again - same voice exact same message - suppose it was a recording - only understood for our carhops safety. I began to feel unsafe, and quite irritated. Pressed the button one more time thinking a human being might actually speak to me - not so. I left, drove to Sonic on Ryan St. in Lake Charles, LA parked - pushed button - remarkable but I was able to place my order. Before the carhop arrived I saw three more cars pull in past me park push button and intercom voice said something about driving around for carhops safety. When my order came I asked the girl if they were getting mugged or what. She was baffled. I said the cars have to drive around they can't place their orders at these boxes. Yeah she said, it hasn't happened to me but sometimes men are in these cars and try to get money from the carhops and you know they are just a lot bigger than us. I said then why doesn't Sonic turn the lights off to the boxes that they don't want you to order from That way Sonic is taking responsibility for their customers and their employees. I don't know she said. Took my money, never offering any change which has become the usual at Sonic these days. This is unnerving to me, if it is an unsafe condition for their carhops that are only there for 1 minute how safe am I sitting there waiting for my order and possibly eating there taking 10 or 15 minutes. Really Sonic can't you do better than that. There are any number of ways you could remedy this problem other than frustrating your customer and putting the responsibility on them.

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8:01 pm EST
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Sonic Drive-In harrassment/slander

My daughter was an employee there until vicious rumors were started about her and me by other employees, one being a shift manager. The shift manager should've acted in a professional manner, instead went and told everyone there I did drugs, among other things, when she wouldn't even submit to a drug test when she was injured on the job, knowing she would fail it. Things happen like this all of the time here because it's a small town and no one wants to speak up. I'm turning this over to my attorney and I'm going to let them handle it because the rumors they started about my daughter cost her her best friend because it got back to her parents.

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2:04 pm EST
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Sonic Drive-In rules

the new manger has set alot of rules about the women have to wear the sonic hair bows or what ever they are called and has rules like that if you dont come in with a smile that you cant work and you have to wear a bealt not all people like to wear belts and that the girls have to have their hair pulled back and the girls should not have to do that he has set alot of new rules that are not manditory buy sonic and something needs to be done about this

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FlyAway
Virginia Beach, US
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May 17, 2011 1:51 pm EDT

I'm not too sure about the ribbons rule, but the other rules are pretty standard as far a Sonic goes. If you come in with a bad attitude most of the time you will get sent home, since it's bad for buisness. It is a Sonic rule that employees have to wear a belt, though most managers will overlook this rule for girls since they have to wear their apron. And tying your hair back is standard health code, if your hair gets in someone's food they will freak out. The ribbons rule does seem very weird though.

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deniland2000
clarksville, US
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Sep 07, 2010 6:59 pm EDT

the other rules are dumb but you should have your hair pulled back you are serving people food

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5:50 am EST
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Sonic Drive-In Foodborne Illness

I became very sick after eating at Sonic in Destin, FL. My stomach kept expanding and over a 2.5 hour period which resulted in vomitting, chills, fever, and diahrea through the night. My Fever lasted through the next day. Makes me wonder if my food wasn't puposely contaminated.

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5:57 pm EST
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Sonic has some good food, but the trouble you have to go through to get it, is just really not worth it. To sum it up, my Footlong cheese coney barely had any cheese or chili, and what was put on there, was done very sloppy. Got some ice cream, and it was a dead spider one time...decided to try again for the second time hoping service and food would be...

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11:00 pm EST
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Sonic Drive-In tip wage

(I'm terribly sorry if this is in the wrong cartegory, I tried to put it in the one that I thought would have some significance to the complaint) We have recently had a new program put into effect that if carhops do not make the tips to cover them to minimum wage, then they will be removed from carhopping. Now, at many Sonics that means no hours or completely fired. There are many carhops that make most of their tips, but are not completely making all of the tips to cover them, but all carhops at my particular Sonic claim ALL OF THEIR TIPS! Today, after 5 1/2 hours of work, I made $14, but I claimed 20. That did not cover me all of the way, but I did that so that I wouldn't lose my job or hours. I also found out that, at the South Parkway Sonic, skating carhops get to clock in as crew and make minimum wage (and from the people who have told me about that policy, our area manager, Homer, put that into effect), whereas I, who am a skating carhop, has to clock in on $3 an hour and worry about not making enough tips to cover me to minimum wage. I think that it is one thing if a carhoop is claiming only $5 dollars a shift, but those of us who regularly claim 15 to 30 dollars should not suffer from that.

Now, at Sonic, there is no way to tip over a credit card. I have lost MANY tips because people couldn't tip over the credit card. It would be beneficial to Boom Foods profits if people could tip over a credit card. Perhaps there could be a tip button on the switchboard and people could ring up a tip there, or it could be written onto the receipt, or done over the actual credit card machine at the stalls or done on the inside credit card machines. Then it could automatically claim the tips and the tips that the carhop makes in cash could be claimed whenever he or she clocks out, placing all of the tips made over a credit card onto the paycheck. If this were to be put into effect, this would fix part of the problem for the carhops and would save profits for Boom Foods.

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Update by gamoc
Dec 23, 2009 12:25 am EST

Hi, after talking it over with several people, I have gotten this problem worked out for myself and would like to have it voided.

Thank you!

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5:40 pm EST
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Sonic Drive-In Poor service and lack of food

I went to my socal sonec and ordered a cheeseburger with mayo, onion and Jalapinos. I recieved a cheese burger with everthing accept what I ordered, I told them and got another burger and it had what I ordered with only 3 jalapinos. If I am paying .80 cents for side items I want more than 3 jalapinos. Another time I ordered a breakfast sandwich with baccon, The sandwich had 2 pieces of baccon. I complained and apariently this is normal.
I went to another Sonic in McKenzie tennessee and ordered the same sandwich, oddly this sandwich had so much baccon that I was very happily supprised. everything I have ordered in McKenzie is way above expectations. Paris Sonic is just the opposit.
This is going to cost paris some business. Paris is a rip off in every way. I have more storys but no need to complain, no one cares. Piss on Paris Sonic.

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M&M1029
Paris, US
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Mar 27, 2010 4:01 pm EDT

Since I have worked for Paris Sonic off and on for many years as a Car-Hop this upsets me. First we don't charge .80 cents for Jalapaino's! If your going to take the time to write a complaint get your facts right. If you lied about the cost of your add-on, I feel like your lieing about other .facts. in your story. Every store is ran differently, but we at Paris Sonic go by the book! I take the time and energy everyday to make sure I do my job and those around me do their jobs correctly! Mistakes happen from time to time so don't let that keep you from coming back to our wonderful Paris Sonic!

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Sonic Drive-In reply to all sonic complaints

For all those who file complaints against sonic drive-in locations-

1. All sonic locations are not owned by the corporation.
In fact, few locations actually are. Most are franchised locations which are independent of the company with the exception of branding, recipes, and marketing. That being said, each drive-in is going to differ based upon the ownership and the general manger in place.

2. All locations are not the same.
There are quite a few locations which are run exclusively "by the book" if you will. These particular locations have excellent service and great food. One thing that definitely helps with customer service is to know exactly what you want before you even consider pressing that pretty red button.

3. You can complain against any one location by calling a simple and easy-to-remember phone number.
The call is free and your next order will most likely be free (To an extent) as well. That number is simple:

1-800-ok-sonic

This is the number for the customer service hotline which is offered through the coca-cola corporation. These are the same people that will take your complaints from wendy's, mcdonald's, or any other location serving coca-cola products.

A few little-known facts about the chain:
-sonic does not offer, nor do they endorse, warming lamps of any kind. Fries and tater-tots are to by kept for no longer than 5 minutes under a thermal glass lamp that looks exactly like a thermal glass cook top or stove. It is very hot and keeps those tots extra crispy for your enjoyment.
-our burgers and all other items are kept for no longer than 30 minutes. Don't get upset! If you like wendy's then you should know that they have been using this technology for years before us. It is called "infrared heating equipment". This equipment functions like some modern-day microwaves. There is a sensor located in this state of the art machine that measures the moisture inside a particular pan. When the product is no longer up to standard, it is discarded.
-most locations follow the "if you wouldn't eat it, don't send it out" policy. We do not ever serve anything off of the floor. All of our items are preserved at safe temperatures which prohibit the growth of bacteria and food-born illnesses.
-all locations must follow a strict sonic-safe policy that is endorsed and enforced by an independent organization known as "nsf" (National safety foundation). Each location in every state undergoes two rigorous audits each year where an inspector investigates all parts of the store and normal daily operations. The inspections are random and the store does not know when the inspector will arrive.

Most locations strive for great customer service and realize that the guests are who pay the employee wages. If you feel that you have been treated unfairly or that the location just isn't up to par, please call 1-800-ok-sonic and report the establishment directly to the big dogs. I assure you that every complaint is heard by numerous persons. The complaint process will go like this:

1. Call and speak to the representative.
2. Possibly receive coupons.
3. Rep. Files a categorized complaint which is sent first to the corporate office, second to the store owner, and last to the store manager.
4. Depending on the severity of the complaint, the owner will inspect the location. If the situation is bad enough, sonic corporate sends out either a regional representative or regional vice-president to handle the situation. If the location is too bad out of shape, sonic does what is called a full operational assessment where they come in with a full team of certified trainers. Each and every employee and manager is observed for one full week. During a second week, they are all retrained. A follow-up assessment decides whether to revoke the locations operating agreement with sonic or leave the location open.

Hope that all helps.

-a friendly sonic supervisor

Read full review of Sonic Drive-In and 135 comments
Update by DHB
Oct 08, 2011 6:28 am EDT

Thanks to thevillian. I can remember the days that Sonic was booming. Unfortunately, many of our lesser locations have turned the general aura south very quickly for the good ones. I operate the store with the highest sales volume in the state of Mississippi at over $2.5M per year. I never have issues like this from my staff, management, or customers. I wish I knew what happened to those days where Sonic employees strived for achievement and customer service was #1. We still hold those values here in my neck of the woods. Apparently, some of these store operators should be coming to see us so they'll know how a location should be properly run!

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evedelo
Burlington, US
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Jun 04, 2022 9:20 pm EDT

I visited a Sonic location in Burlington, NC and the food and customer service was AWFUL! They gave me a slush with no ice, burnt onion rings and gave me a sweet tea that GOD only knows what it was. It tasted like a mixture of unknown liquids. The other sweet tea was given to me with the top not secured and it wasted all over me and my car seat. When I got home and realized that the onion rings were burnt and the sweet tea was not tea, I called and spoke to the manager and he hung up the phone in my face. I called back and got no answer. I used another phone to call again and the manager answered and hung up on me again but not after cursing me out and telling me to call and complain to whoever I wanted because he didn't care. I will NEVER go back to that Sonic!

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Todd Walters
US
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Feb 21, 2022 12:13 pm EST

I though that the whole point of franchising was to ensure customers received the same experience regardless of the location. The supervisor in this response is also a bit condescending and sarcastic. Horrible read!

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TerriTheBoho
Miramar, US
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Jan 14, 2022 7:17 pm EST

I cannot make this up. This really happened today at Sonic # 6312 in Miami Gardens FL @ exactly 1:13pm EST with cashier Essence and General Manager Kissis (that's how she pronounced her name). This was a terrifying customer experience that I will never forget. I was wearing gloves and as I placed my order I simply asked for a fork with my fries. Essence (who rolled her eyes as me before I even spoke), screamed "what?!"

I repeated myself and asked for a fork with my fries and paid for it. She closed the window and started laughing at me with her co-workers because the window was not closed all the way. When she returned I thanked her for my order and calmly told her "I think you should know that you are being very rude." She yelled back at me "Girrrrrrrrllllll, you're rude!" She kept repeating Girrllllll over and over. I asked for the manager who came to the window and as I was trying to describe what happened Essence interrupted me and said "I'll go get my grandmother to beat you up." She said this twice. At this point, I calmly told Kissis "I don't need to continue any further, you can see for yourself how she is speaking to me." Essence replied "you look like a virus."

All of this is because I simply asked for a fork with my French fries.

When I contacted corporate they referred me back to local restaurant. When I called there Kissis remembered me. I mentioned that I felt she didnt have a sense of control of the restaurant since she let Essence call me names and threaten to do bodily harm. She hung up on me. I asked for corporate to pull the audio/video of this transaction for coaching and hopefully immediate termination for both Essence and Kissis.

Chick-Filet is and always be the gold standard for all fast food- plus it tastes a lot better!

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dont let it go
US
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Jan 22, 2020 6:24 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I went to Sonic on N. Ninth Ave, Pensacola, Florida on Saturday January 18, 2020. I placed my order on the patio 11:30 am. I went back inside my car because the temp. was cool. The server bought my order to me at approx. 11:38-ish. I thanked her and mentioned I'm happy for the fast service because I have a 12 noon meeting. No problem so far. My tater tots were cold : ( I continued my meal... I took a bite of my Double bacon cheese burger. This is problem number 2. I looked at the order monitor and back at my burger. There should be 2 burger patties. I called and the server checked, yes there should be 2 patties. The server said the order will be replaced. Well, that would be the solution on a different day. The manager came out. The server and the manager are insisting "we are fixing it for you now". By this time it is 11:40 and ticking. The manager insist that I take the order... it will be out any minute. If that is the case, the food SHOULD HAVE BEEN TOO HOT FOR ME TO EAT RIGHT AWAY. Your staff made the error. I had started eating so that I may go to my spiritual meeting. I needed to eat and leave for drive time. I asked if I may have the order replaced at a different time. The Manager Refused. Treat me like a child why don't you. Your staff made the ERRORS. I continued to sit there and eat. I made a decision to eat at Sonic. This location is near Cordova Mall and Pensacola State College. The manager on duty, Andy, acted like an idiot. I could have went to so many other places. I was kind in my words and actions. I'm not sure of the policy. I ate the incorrect meal on the premises. He violated the PRINCIPAL

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Lia Jones
US
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Jan 21, 2019 8:08 pm EST

My daughter works at the Sonic location at 580 Thornton Road, Lithia Springs, GA 30122.

While on duty a young man, whom name she does not know forcefully reached into her back pocket, snatched her cell phone, then threw it to the floor. I made two attempts to contact the store to rectify this problem before calling the authorities. When the officer arrived to the scene, we filed a police report, and called the young man’s guardian to explain what happened and to also request a full refund. I asked the manager on duty, what the policy was against horse playing, he stated there is a zero tolerance, however, stated that he thought the two teens were just playing. This is contradicting, since horse playing is not tolerated.

My daughter has been a part of Sonic’s team for no more than three weeks, and so far I must say that not only did she receive a pay check with missing hours, we are dissatisfied with the type of negligence and unprofessionalism from staff at this establishment. She is more than willing to learn, though staff in inconsistently making attempts to train her. I suggested to the store manager that termination or suspension of my daughter’s employment will result in a lawsuit. I expect of full investigation concerning this matter, payment of her property, and an apology. I look forward to a resolution to my problem, before this results in a lawsuit.

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A.J.Lee
US
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Nov 27, 2017 10:06 am EST

My daughter wanted a job and choose the Sonic on Big Bend Rd in Riverview FL. Her first job so we were all HIGHLY excited for her. However, I should have known there was a problem being that she had to practically continually call just to get an interview and then that was forgotten but another one set up. The management there Marco's and Tatiana S. are a major joke! It's like children leading children. My daughter has come home with horror stories and when I wanted to report this, my daughter wanted me to stay out of it, if need be she would handle it. Wanting her to learn to handle her own situations I obliged and stayed out. She no longers works there, PRAISE GOD! My daughter has told me of an employer coming up there drunk to fight another employer while Titiana just kept herself safe and out of the situation. She failed to provide a safe environment, she even failed to call the police to get the situation de-escalated! I am sooo glad that was not my child, every attorney in Florida would be on Sonic because of that issue! My daughter has told me numerous times that Titiana comes to work drunk on a constant basis! This Sonic is notorious for drug selling. You may pull up there for a burger, fries and shake, but if you speak w/ the right person (I will not release his name but he is NOT minor) ..I understand that they run their site independently but this does give Sonic a bad name! You can either get your drug paraphernalia in a Sonic bag or meet him in the bathroom! Guys I promise I am not making this up..this is coming first hand from my kids mouth and I have crept through her phone found the text message of possible drug sells to her up at work...and told my daughter not to have ANY dealings with this type of dude! I have contacted my local Sheriff office on them, and the sheriff did take the 'employer' who sells tag as well as the shady character that was up there one day and he did said he intended to investigate because something did not seem right for someone to be up there for over 20min and did not order anything and no one came out to speak w/ the 'customer'. I can only speak about my daughter and I experience with our Sonic but if anyone else has this type of issue pls let your child work for McDonald's or something!

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Edward Morgan.
US
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Feb 16, 2018 9:45 am EST
Replying to comment of A.J.Lee

This might surprise you, but no business establishment is obligated to interview or hire your daughter. If that place is so bad, why would you want her to work there? Sounds like you frequent that establishment and you have a problem w/whoever Marco's and Tatiana S. is. I suggest contacting Sonic's corporate office.

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Kristy Johnson
US
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Jul 04, 2017 8:23 pm EDT

Look I go to Sonic just about every day for happy hour but it is getting to where I'm not going as much to the one on 801 6 the street no more cos there is a rude manger there and who ever makes there milk shake does a sloppy Job it will be on the side of the cup I got one today from there and it was messy and sloppy so for now on I'll go somewhere different I don't want to but I can't deal with rude PPL exspecially a manager taking a order so she just made me go somewhere else until y'all can get better manager there

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Lovebabs84
US
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Jun 27, 2017 11:16 pm EDT

Sonic on 88 and Washington was so rude and disrespectful to my daughter and my deaf sister and when i call to talk to tge manager they tell me the woman that did disrespect them was the manager

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JohnnynTyus
US
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Jun 14, 2017 1:36 pm EDT

I just left the Sonic on Goodman&Getwell in Southaven Ms. I had the worst experience ever. I placed my order. I set their for ten min. I pushed the red button again and ask if they had forgotten me. This was the second time I had pushed the button. After ten more min they sent a girl out to me. She said they didn't get my order. THIS IS THE WORST SONIC IN THE WORLD. My family an me will never go BACK. 25 min no food I left.

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Joel Alston
US
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Apr 06, 2017 1:06 pm EDT

I receive a breakfast toaster on my app went to the drive thru location out in Glen Allen, VA some dam employee by the name of Gab didn't know how to ring up the order so. I wind up going to McDonalds next door, may be that the reason why there was not anybody in the drive thru, Gab need more training that I see he was not able to read the app on my phone, he was the first person to ask to see the app and still was not able to ring up the order.

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Sonic Drive-In pricing

I ordered a sweet tea with vanilla and strawberries and it came with ice almost to the lid (so not much drink at all). I went to get a refill and they said that they would have to charge for the vanilla and strawberries. I thought, no big deal, they are only about ten cents each on the menu. I get the refill and they tell me that they had to charge me for a whole new drink (about $1.50). Not terribly expensive, but, had I ordered just a sweet tea I could have gotten all the sweet tea that I wanted. Since I got a sweet tea with vanilla and strawberries I have to pay for a whole new drink every time (including paying for the tea every time). Sounds ridiculous to me. I may take by business somewhere else where they do not over charge you.

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FlyAway
Virginia Beach, US
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May 17, 2011 1:56 pm EDT

The ice being up to the lid is standard procedure at Sonic: We are instructed to do that for all tea drinks. As for what they charge for refills, that does vary from Sonic to Sonic. At the Sonic I work at we aren't allowed to give free refills at all. (Except to patio customers) Like the person said above, you can always request easy ice, it does not cost extra.

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gamoc
US
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Dec 22, 2009 11:20 pm EST

It is one thing to charge you for strawberries and vanilla, but I know at my sonic, we are required to give free refills on tea and soft drinks, charging for extra flavor. It also says in our books and on mystery shop reports that we have to fill tea to the top of the cup with ice, so it's best to ask for light ice. It doesn't cost extra (at least, not anywhere that I've been to).

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8:56 pm EST
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Sonic Drive-In no change given back

Tonight, when the attendant brought my food at Sonic Drive In, she took my money and immediately started walking away as she said, thank you- have a nice night. She didn't ask if I wanted my change. That young lady must be making a good bit of money there if she does that too everyone and pockets their change. And on top of that, I had to return to the Sonic later, because the burgers had everything on them, and they were supposed to have no onions, no lettuce and no pickles.

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BadSonicBAD
Falcon, US
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Jun 13, 2010 5:21 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

also, please remember car-hops RELY on tips. i know i did! Many ppl dont tip these days, and that sucks! But I'm about to lose my home because of the BS that goes on with the GM, the Co-manager and even as high up as the district manager who hates me! So, please be kind. even 50 cents or a dollar goes a long way...

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jinla
lafayette, US
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Dec 04, 2009 12:47 am EST

Funny thing is I worked for sonic a few years ago and one of the most annoying things, aside the know it all customers who think they could do any better, is to be in a hurry and trying to get the food to one guest so you could get the next taken care of but you get stuck at the first guests car bc hes taken forever. Then finally he gives you the money for the order and sits there and watches while you fumble to get his change of 53 cents from the changer all while balancing everything in your one hand and while sometimes even wearing skates. Then after all that you go to hand him the 53 cents and he says “keep it I don’t need it!?” Oh my God really? 53 cents and you made me stand there and dig it out only to act as if you gave me a couple bucks? That is why we ask! Not to be rude but bc we are trying to hurry up and get to the next person before he gets mad and files a complaint! I hear so many people complain about things and they have no idea. For example, did you ever stop to think that EVERYONE pulls up to a sonic and pretty much hits the button at the same time and demands service….. Goto McDonalds drive thru and try that? You can’t! Its one car and one order or maybe 2 if they have a double lane however its still only one transaction at a time! On top of that if you actually take a stopwatch and goto another place like BK or McDs and time yourself when you pull up during a busy time like lunch you’d be really surprised how long you really wait. Your perception is it’s the person in front of you taking forever so you blame them but at sonic you don’t see that person so you blame sonic.. You speak of things you have no idea about. Go put yourself in other peoples shoes before you assume the worst in someone or a place!

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Anonymou
Flagstaff, US
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Nov 28, 2009 7:08 pm EST

Hi,
I personally used to be an assistant manager for a Sonic, and I can understand the frustration that comes with bad service anywhere. Without taking sides, I'd like to point out that a Car-Hop for Sonic does not have the job of an average fast food worker. They must remember over 64, 000 recipes for drinks and ice cream, be able to make change in their head, and continuously run through an 8 hour shift. Many people I believe view them as the average fast food employee, but nothing is simplified for them like many other establishments do. This being said, the Car-Hop, likely, walked away on accident as I have seen many new employees do. The best place to take your complaint is to the Corporate complaint number, (1-866-OK-SONIC) with your receipt in hand as they will ask you for the Check number from the top. If the rest of the country works like my store was, a corporate complaint will earn you royal treatment as it will make it's way all the way through higher management before reaching the store.
Thanks,
Anonymous

About Sonic Drive-In

Sonic Drive-In is a fast-food chain known for its drive-in format and carhop service. Customers can order from a variety of burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches, alongside signature slushes, milkshakes, and sides. The menu also includes breakfast items. Sonic emphasizes quick service and a nostalgic dining experience.

Overview of Sonic Drive-In complaint handling

Sonic Drive-In reviews first appeared on Complaints Board on Aug 18, 2006. The latest review Chilly pie was posted on Jun 3, 2025. The latest complaint My manager is very unprofessional was resolved on Apr 27, 2025. Sonic Drive-In has an average consumer rating of 1 stars from 1811 reviews. Sonic Drive-In has resolved 123 complaints.
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  1. Sonic Drive-In Contacts

  2. Sonic Drive-In phone numbers
    +1 (866) 657-6642
    +1 (866) 657-6642
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  3. Sonic Drive-In emails
  4. Sonic Drive-In address
    300 Johnny Bench Dr, Oklahoma City, Georgia, 73104, United States
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  6. Rachel
    Checked and verified by Rachel This contact information is personally checked and verified by the ComplaintsBoard representative. Learn more
    Jun 30, 2025
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Sonic Drive-In is ranked 17 among 60 companies in the Fast Food Chains category

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