Posted by Suh-Weet on January 26, 2009 at 17:51:38:
*smmmmmmmack*
Sonic Drive-In opens in Middleton
Susan Troller January 26, 2009
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Car hops are ready to serve diners on the move at a new Sonic Drive-In in Middleton that opened today.
With more than 3,500 drive-in restaurants coast-to-coast, and a culture that defines fast food as something eaten in an automobile, the Oklahoma-based Sonic chain says it serves over a million customers a day.
The local outlet features 22 drive-in stalls served by car hops, two walk-up ordering stations and a drive-thru.
The Middleton store is owned by local owners Brad Bailey and Paul Frautschi, who previously owned Mad Dog's Chicago Style Eatery at 309 N. Henry St.
Food service begins at 6 a.m., and a full menu served all day includes breakfast options as well as fast food stand-bys like hamburgers, coney dogs, frozen treats and what the franchise calls thousands of drink combinations.
In an interview this morning, Bailey said he's hired 144 people to work at the drive-in. Most, he said, were part time employees with a number of full time managers as well.
"With 60 people a shift learning their jobs in a 1,700 square foot space, it's been organized chaos to say the least," Bailey said.
"We're overjoyed to be in Middleton," he added. "Everyone from the city administration to the traffic engineers have been very supportive."
Sonic Drive-In, 6413 University Ave., is located on the site of the former Rusty's, a longtime local bar/restaurant.