Company Directory - Sonic Drive-In
Company Details - Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In
WebsiteOklahoma City, United States
3600 Locations
Sonic Drive-In is a popular fast-food chain known for its wide variety of burgers, hot dogs, and beverages, as well as its unique drive-in service model where customers order from their cars. The menu is expansive, featuring unique combinations and seasonal items, making it a favorite for families and individuals looking for quick and affordable meals.
CCI Score
CCI Score: Sonic Drive-In
-26.76
0.01%
Latest Event
Sonic Corp Shows Minimal Political Affiliations in 2024
According to OpenSecrets data, Sonic Corp (associated with Sonic Drive-In) had no identified political affiliates in the 2024 election cycle. This suggests the company has refrained from engaging in direct political contributions or lobbying activities that might support partisan or authoritarian agendas.
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ACCOMPLICE
Sonic Drive-In is currently rated as an Accomplice.
Latest Events
- FEB062025
According to OpenSecrets data, Sonic Corp (associated with Sonic Drive-In) had no identified political affiliates in the 2024 election cycle. This suggests the company has refrained from engaging in direct political contributions or lobbying activities that might support partisan or authoritarian agendas.
+30
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 2
The OpenSecrets profile indicates that Sonic Corp did not register any political contributions or affiliations during the 2024 cycle. From an anti-fascist perspective, abstaining from funding potentially authoritarian or partisan groups is positive, as it reduces the risk of corporate complicity in political influence that could undermine democratic processes.
- AUG222023
The U.S. Department of Labor announced investigations into 13 South Carolina Sonic Drive-In locations operated by franchisees, uncovering that 91 minors were employed beyond legally allowed hours, leading to civil money penalties for the operators.
-90
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 2
The investigation revealed that two Sonic Drive-In franchise operators illegally employed minors by having children work beyond the limits set by the Fair Labor Standards Act. This flagrant disregard for labor laws and exploitation of vulnerable workers reflects poor labor relations and human rights practices, warranting a strongly negative score.
- MAY312023
Six Sonic Drive-In restaurants in northwest Nevada were fined over $70,000 for violating federal child labor laws. Federal investigators documented over 170 instances of violations, including the assignment of dangerous tasks and excessive work hours to underage employees, highlighting serious breaches in labor rights.
-70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 2
The investigation into Sonic Drive-In revealed over 170 violations of child labor provisions under the Fair Labor Standards Act, including improperly assigning underage workers to hazardous tasks and excessive hours. This exploitation of labor stands in stark contrast to principles of worker protection and human rights, and is assessed harshly from an anti-fascist, pro-worker perspective.
Sonic Drive-In restaurants pay more than $70,000 for breaking child labor laws
- MAY302023
The U.S. Department of Labor reported that the operator of six Reno-area Sonic Drive-In locations, SDI of Neil LLC, committed over 170 child labor violations. The investigation uncovered that 14- and 15-year-old workers were illegally employed in hazardous roles, such as operating manual deep fryers, and worked hours beyond legally permissible limits. The company paid $71,182 in civil penalties along with additional back wages and damages.
-80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 2
The article details significant violations of child labor laws, with underage workers assigned to hazardous tasks and extended working hours in clear breach of federal regulations. This exploitation of young workers severely undermines labor rights and ethical employment standards, warranting a strongly negative score in labor relations.
- JAN012023
Ted Riley Corporation, operating a Sonic Drive-In franchise in Lucedale, Mississippi, settled an EEOC lawsuit for $22,000 after terminating an employee with a seizure disorder without providing a reasonable accommodation. The settlement also mandates improvements including anti-discrimination training and policy enhancements.
-80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 2
The franchisee's decision to fire an employee due to her disability without attempting to provide reasonable accommodations constitutes a clear violation of workers' rights and federal ADA guidelines. This event reflects a deeply unethical business practice that harms vulnerable individuals and reinforces discriminatory employment practices.
MISSISSIPPI SONIC DRIVE-IN FRANCHISEE TO PAY $22,000 TO SETTLE EEOC DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION SUIT
- JAN012023
Sonic Drive-In of Los Lunas, Ltd. and B&B Consultants agreed to a $2 million settlement to resolve a lawsuit filed by the EEOC alleging sexual harassment and retaliation against female employees, including teenagers. The settlement mandates new anti-discrimination policies and training to prevent further violations.
-70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 2
The settlement was a response to serious allegations that a manager engaged in sexual harassment and retaliated against women who complained, including minors. This reflects severe deficiencies in Sonic Drive-In's labor relations and human rights practices, indicating a disregard for creating a safe and equitable workplace. Such actions are emblematic of authoritarian-like treatment of workers.
Sonic Drive-In Settles EEOC Sexual Harassment And Retaliation Suit For $2 Million
- JAN212018
Sonic Drive-In's CEO, J. Clifford Hudson, draws on his personal experiences from desegregation to lead with a progressive agenda. While balancing the diverse political views of franchisees, he emphasizes inclusive management and diversity on the board and in leadership, openly addressing social issues in public forums.
+70
Executive Political Engagement
April 2
The Sonic Drive-In CEO leverages his formative personal experiences to advocate for diversity and inclusion, positioning himself as a progressive leader. His measured public statements and active engagement in social issues, despite potential backlash from franchisees with differing views, reflect a commitment to anti-fascist and inclusive practices.
- DEC042017
Sonic Drive-In CEO J. Clifford Hudson, drawing on early experiences with desegregation, has championed progressive values by promoting diversity in the corporate leadership and board. Despite franchisees holding varied political views, his public stance and internal initiatives reflect an effort to oppose authoritarian tendencies and foster inclusion.
+70
Executive Political Engagement
April 2
CEO J. Clifford Hudson’s public embrace of progressive values, shown through his comments on diversity and inclusion as well as his active engagement in social and political discourse during a politically charged era, marks a clear instance of positive executive political engagement. His leadership stands in direct contrast to authoritarian trends and supports an inclusive, anti-fascist corporate culture.
+60
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 2
Sonic Drive-In’s internal business practices, particularly its commitment to enhancing board diversity and promoting an inclusive leadership team largely composed of women and minorities, highlight ethical responsibility in corporate governance. These practices support broader societal inclusion and worker rights, aligning with anti-authoritarian principles.
- JUN082010
Two Sonic Drive-In franchises settled a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by the EEOC, paying $55,000 to resolve claims involving the abuse and harassment of teenaged female employees, including incidents involving a threatening knife. The settlement also mandated new training, policies, and procedures to address workplace discrimination permanently.
-70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 2
The EEOC lawsuit and subsequent settlement reveal alarming labor practices where vulnerable, young employees were subjected to repeated harassment and abuse. This incident underscores a failure in ensuring a safe and equitable workplace, reflecting deep shortcomings in the company’s approach to labor relations and human rights.
Two Sonic Franchises Sued By EEOC For Sexual Harassment To Pay $55,000
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Corporate Financials
- Revenue
- 2022
- $470.00M
Industries
- 722511
- Full-Service Restaurants
- 722513
- Limited-Service Restaurants
- 722514
- Cafeterias, Grill Buffets, and Buffets