How much does a Sonic cost to buy or open?

The typical deal for Sonic is $1.3M across 21 transactions since 2020. With the SBA's 10% minimum down payment, that points to roughly $140K of buyer cash on a typical deal.

Sonic has 21 SBA loans on record since 2020 — too few to score a reliable failure rate. Judge the unit economics and the franchisor's disclosure document, not a small sample.

Can I finance a Sonic with an SBA loan?

Yes — Sonic has been SBA-financed 5 times since FY2025, which means it clears the SBA Franchise Directory requirement regularly. Confirm current listing before signing an LOI.

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Sonic, by the numbers

Every figure below comes from real financed deals — what buyers paid, where, and how the loans performed.

SBA Franchise Directory: listed ✓ (identifier S1598)

21 deals since 2020 · typical deal $1.3M

Deals since 2020

$1.3M

Typical deal

Deals since FY2025

—

Too few deals to score risk

Sonic has 21 SBA deals on record — real financing history, but too few to score a failure rate you should trust. Underwrite the location and the FDD.

What buyers pay for Sonic

Most Sonic deals financed between $411K and $2.08M. Above $2.08M, you're paying more than 75% of buyers did — make the seller earn it.

Your deal size$1.27M

Monthly payment (10-yr): $16,588
Down payment (10%): $141K
Cash to close (all-in): $193K

Estimates at today's rates and standard 7(a) terms. Not a loan offer.

Could you get the loan?

Three answers. No documents, no credit pull.

Credit score

Available cash (you'll need ~$193K)

Experience

Recent financings

Smooth Seas Holdings LLC in Miami Gardens, FL — $3.8M (2026) · Live Oak Banking Company
Program
Preferred Lenders Program
Rate at approval
6.83% variable
Term

Sonic, by the numbers

Recent financings

Who funds Sonic — and where

Common questions

How much does a Sonic cost to buy or open?

How risky is Sonic?

Can I finance a Sonic with an SBA loan?

AI summary