Sonic Drive-In returns to Taylorville after two decades with Community Spirit and a Grand Opening

Sonic Drive-In is making a long-awaited return to Taylorville after a 20-year absence, and it’s bringing exciting opportunities for the community and those seeking employment. The brand-new location at 929 W. Springfield Road officially opened on May 7, offering a modernized take on the iconic drive-in experience, alongside a commitment to local engagement and job creation.

A Special Milestone for Sonic in Taylorville

Behind Sonic’s revival in Taylorville is Guernsey Holdings LLC, a company that operates a wide portfolio of restaurant brands. This new Sonic location isn’t just another restaurant; it marks a major milestone as the company’s 100th franchised store. For Founder and CEO Mike James, this milestone holds special significance.

“I believe some things are meant to be,” James said at the store’s soft opening on May 6. “This is the first time we’ve built a Sonic, and it happens to be our 100th store. It’s a special place for us, and we’re excited to become part of the Taylorville community.”

A Boost for the Local Workforce

With the reopening of Sonic, Taylorville gains more than just a restaurant—it also gains job opportunities for local residents. Sonic’s team members are being trained in all aspects of operations to ensure top-notch service. Whether you’re looking for part-time work or a long-term career, Sonic offers flexible employment options in a supportive and fast-paced environment.

The soft opening allowed the new staff to gain hands-on experience before the grand opening, ensuring that the restaurant runs smoothly from day one. Team members have the opportunity to grow within the company, making Sonic a great place for career advancement.

Mike James highlighted the importance of building a strong local team. “We’re committed to offering extensive training and career growth opportunities for our employees. We want to create a workplace where people feel supported and have room to advance.”

Modern Convenience with Classic Charm

Sonic’s new Taylorville location blends modern conveniences with the brand’s signature drive-in charm. The renovated restaurant features double drive-through lanes, seven traditional drive-in stalls, and eight stalls for mobile app pickups, making it easier than ever to enjoy Sonic’s expansive menu. Whether customers prefer the carhop experience or the convenience of ordering through the app, the new setup caters to everyone.

With hundreds of thousands of craveable flavors and drink combinations including limeades, burgers, hot dogs and more, SONIC’s expansive, award-winning menu offers made-to-order and customizable breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack options to delight the whole family.

In addition to drive-thru and drive-in service, Taylorville SONIC guests can place an order online or through the SONIC App for contactless ordering and payment, as well as to take advantage of the monthly offers and discounts available through SONIC Rewards.

The new location will operate from 6 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 8 a.m. to midnight on Sundays, offering plenty of flexibility for early birds and night owls alike.

Building Community Through Local Support

Guernsey Holdings isn't just about expanding its business footprint; it’s about fostering strong ties with the communities it serves. At the soft opening, James and his team made a generous $5,000 donation to both the Taylorville Food Pantry and neighboring Taylorville High School. This gesture underscores the company’s commitment to giving back and supporting local causes.

“One of our core values is giving back to the communities we serve,” James said. “We believe in putting our resources into things that matter, like supporting the high school and the food pantry. It’s just the beginning of our involvement, and we plan to continue supporting other local causes.”

This focus on community involvement makes Sonic more than just a restaurant—it’s a new partner in the growth and wellbeing of Taylorville. The restaurant’s location next to Taylorville High School also opens the door for future collaborations that could benefit students and the community.

The grand opening event also had a big turnout, featuring performances from the Taylorville High School Cheer Squad and Jazz Band, along with appearances by local dignitaries. The energy and excitement surrounding Sonic’s return to Taylorville were palpable.

SONIC is also committed to supporting public schools by donating a portion of proceeds from every drink, slush and shake purchase to the SONIC Foundation, which is used to support local public education.* Since 2009, the SONIC Limeades for Learning initiative has raised more than $27 million for funding local classrooms, becoming one of the largest programs in the U.S. to support public education.

A Promising Future for Sonic in Taylorville

As Sonic officially reopens its doors, it signals more than just the return of a beloved drive-in; it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both Sonic and Taylorville. With a modernized restaurant, flexible job opportunities, and a commitment to giving back, Sonic is set to become an important part of the local landscape.

Whether you’re looking for a job with growth potential or just eager to enjoy Sonic’s delicious menu, now is the perfect time to visit the new location. Stop by, grab a burger, and see for yourself how Sonic is making a positive impact in Taylorville—one slushy at a time.