Restaurant chain has been churning out new offerings since it was acquired by Inspire Brands in late 2018.
In January 2019, Sonic offered the Hearty Chili Bowl, made with beef, beans, seasonings and a full serving of vegetables. The 140-calorie chili may be eaten solo or customers may add Fritos, shredded cheese and diced onions.
“The rich and bold flavors of a warm, filling bowl of savory chili can be so comforting,” said Scott Uehlein, vice-president of product innovation and development for Sonic. “Whether you load it up with crunchy, cheesy flavor or enjoy it simple and classic, we made sure our new Hearty Chili can be completely customized to our guests’ tastes this winter.”
In February 2019, Sonic Drive-In bolstered its breakfast offerings with new Breakfast Bowls in four varieties.
The Crispy Bacon Breakfast Bowl features bacon, scrambled eggs, cheese, grilled onions and diced tomatoes.
The Crispy Bacon & Tots Breakfast Bowl features bacon, tater tots, scrambled eggs, cheese, grilled onions and diced tomatoes.
The Sausage Breakfast Bowl features sausage, scrambled eggs, cheese, grilled onions and diced tomatoes.
The Sausage & Tots Breakfast Bowl features sausage, tater tots, scrambled eggs, cheese, grilled onions and diced tomatoes.
In April 2019, Sonic doubled down on bacon in its new sandwich, The BBLT. Featuring 50% more bacon than its traditional sandwiches, the BBLT is made with tomatoes, lettuce and mayo piled on a brioche bun.
Sonic in May 2019 expanded its sandwich offerings with two new King’s Hawaiian Clubs.
The King’s Hawaiian Chicken Club features 100% white meat crispy chicken topped with lettuce, tomato, bacon and Swiss cheese all served on a King’s Hawaiian bun.
The King’s Hawaiian Burger Club contains a 100% beef patty piled with lettuce, tomato, bacon and Swiss cheese on a King’s Hawaiian bun.
“Combining sweet and savory flavors makes any dish greater than the sum of its parts,” said Scott Uehlein, vice-president of product innovation and development for Sonic. “With our new King’s Hawaiian Clubs, we upgraded the familiar flavors our guests have come to love with the sweetness of King’s Hawaiian bread balanced by our savory Signature Sauce and boosted by smooth Swiss cheese to create something that’s going to taste and feel as warm and welcoming as Hawaii.”
Two new sandwiches landed at Sonic in June 2019 for the summer.
The Summertime BLT features bacon, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, lettuce and creamy basil aioli on a brioche bun.
The Summertime Chicken BLT features a 100% white meat crispy chicken breast topped with bacon, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, lettuce and creamy basil aioli served on a brioche bun.
“By adding melty mozzarella cheese and creamy basil aioli to a sandwich where crispy bacon is the star, we’re creating a delicious symphony of flavors that’s perfect for the season,” said Scott Uehlein, vice-president of product innovation and development for Sonic. “Try the Summertime BLT for an elevated version of the sandwich you know and love, or order the Summertime Chicken BLT to take it to a brand new level.”
Sonic Drive-In beefed up its burger offerings in September 2019 with the Jr. Garlic Butter Bacon Burger. The sandwich features garlic butter seared into a 100% beef patty that is topped with bacon, American cheese, mayo and grilled onions all served on a toasted bun.
“Butter is the ultimate secret sauce in the culinary world, elevating and enhancing our favorite dishes and making them taste that much better,” said Scott Uehlein, vice-president of product innovation and development for Sonic. “Pair that simple yet beloved flavor with garlic, and you have yourself the burger of your dreams.”
Cheese was in the spotlight in November 2019 at Sonic, which added two new cheesy options to its lineup. The Chili Cheese Bites are a bite-size version of Sonic’s chili with cheese in a crispy corn chip coating, while the Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites are made with macaroni and cheese blended with bacon pieces and coated in a light, crispy batter.
Sonic in November 2019 introduced the Patty Melt, featuring a quarter-lb 100% beef patty, two slices of American cheese, grilled onions, mayo and mustard served on Texas toast.
“A perfectly toasted Patty Melt, full of savory flavors from the beef mixed with the sweetness of grilled onions and meltiness of American cheese is hard to beat,” said Scott Uehlein, vice-president of product innovation and development for Sonic. “The two thick slices of Texas Toast soak up all those wonderful flavors to give guests a special sandwich experience they’ll crave over and over.”
Sonic Drive-In in December 2019 added a hefty handheld to its burger lineup. The Biggie Cheese is made with two 100% beef patties, three slices of American cheese, grilled onions, pickles and hickory barbecue sauce stacked double-decker-style on a brioche bun.
Spring offerings are spicing up menus.