The Sonic drive-in located at 2012 Live Oak St. in Commerce will be moving one block west to a brand new building at 1517 Highway 50.
The existing Sonic building, across the street from the football field, was built in 1967 and needed a larger vicinity.
“This building and lot weren’t big enough for the business we do,” Kenneth Bearden, former dairy farmer and Sonic manager since 1977, said.
Construction on the new building began during the first week of July and is scheduled for completion by the end of November.
Although the 31,000-square-foot lot will only accommodate 27 stalls, one less than they currently have, there will be a drive-thru and three to five more tables on the patio.
“I’m definitely excited about it,” Wendy Bearden, assistant manager and daughter of Kenneth, said. “I think we’ll be even busier and since we will have a drive-thru we’ll be able to hold more cars.”
Once the building is completed, Sonic will close its doors for a short time until all renovations are finalized.
“We’ll probably only be down at least a week because we’re moving our computer equipment first,” Kenneth said.
Sonic averages over 1,000 customers a day at the Live Oak location and Kenneth predicts an increase of 200-300 customers a day after the move.
“Fridays, after a football game, are our most profitable nights,” Kenneth said. “Sometimes we get up to 1,200 customers a day on the weekends.”
Even though Kenneth predicts a beneficial experience in changing locations, he does harbor a few qualms.
“I’m not one that likes change that much,” Kenneth said. “We’ve got a good location where we’re at now and the new location will require drivers to go through an intersection and make a zigzag to get to it, but we think we’ll be OK.”
Bearden’s staff averages about 50 employees, some who prefer the traditional method of carhopping.
“I have some that can roller skate, but I don’t push it because of our grounds,” Kenneth said. “But we’ll have nicer concrete [at the new location] and you’ll probably see some skating up there.”
Hours will remain the same; the store will open at 6 a.m. every day and close at 11 p.m. weekdays and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
“We’ll probably keep our drive-thru open a little later to accommodate our college guests,” he said.
Questions concerning the relocation can be directed to Kenneth Bearden at 903-886-7166.