Ritger to Focus on New Unit Growth and Generating Strong Returns

OKLAHOMA CITY -- (Business Wire)

Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ:SONC), the nation’s largest chain of drive-in restaurants, today announced addition of talent to strengthen its franchise sales and development team.

Appointed as Senior Vice President for Development is Andrew “Drew” Ritger, Jr., who led the franchise development team at SONIC from 2002-2012, during which time the brand opened more than 1,500 new drive-ins in 15 states. In this new role, he is responsible for market planning, franchise sales, area development agreements, and real estate site selection. Ritger has been part of the SONIC leadership team since 1996, and most recently served as Senior Vice President for Franchise Services, east region, with responsibility for franchise operations in the eastern half of the country including new drive-in openings, drive-in operations procedures and guest service.

Also returning to the franchise sales team at SONIC is newly appointed Senior Director of Franchise Sales and Development Marketing, Lori Osley, CFE. Osley is a SONIC alumna, having served on the franchise sales team with Ritger, previously. She rejoins SONIC from Captain D’s where she was senior director of franchise development and responsible for all facets of new growth in select markets for Captain D's including new franchisee growth, real estate, and market planning.

“With room to grow in nearly every U.S. market, SONIC’s opportunity is considerable for years to come, and I’m pleased that Drew and Lori will be working together again to propel our growth forward,” said Clifford Hudson, Sonic Corp. CEO. “This team has a proven track record in growing the SONIC brand and understands the dynamics of building a solid pipeline while opening new drive-ins at a steady and quick cadence.”

Later this year SONIC will reach a new development milestone by entering its 45^th state, Rhode Island. Notable recent openings include upstate New York, San Diego and Sacramento, Calif., as well as small towns like Norton, Kan.

About SONIC, America’s Drive-In

SONIC, America’s Drive-In is the nation's largest drive-in restaurant chain serving more than 3 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of SONIC’s 3,500 drive-in locations are owned and operated by local business men and women. Over the past 60 years, SONIC has delighted guests with signature menu items, more than 1.3 million drink combinations and friendly service by iconic Carhops. To learn more about Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ/NM: SONC), please visit sonicdrivein.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150730006624/en/

Contacts:

Sonic Corp.
Christi Woodworth, 405-225-5600
Vice President of Public Relations

Source: Sonic Corp.