Why do people eat at Sonic?

In the fast-food business it is all about turnover. That is why the harsh colors in the sit-down places and in the never get out of your car places it is the odd colors of the place that drives people to get in and get out. Until I started mystery shopping I had never been to a sonic and I have lived here since 1984.

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"Get em in, get em out" was what we, the diner waitstaff always said too. "Campers" leave one less table on your station to make money on.

@2stepps wrote:

In the fast-food business it is all about turnover. That is why the harsh colors in the sit-down places and in the never get out of your car places it is the odd colors of the place that drives people to get in and get out. Until I started mystery shopping I had never been to a sonic and I have lived here since 1984.

Wow, hadn't thought about that angle for their color scheme.

A bigwig at Chipotle once stated that the chairs in the restaurants are uncomfortable for exactly that reason. They want tables to "turn over" quickly, and comfortable chairs invite lingering.

@Opanel wrote:

A bigwig at Chipotle once stated that the chairs in the restaurants are uncomfortable for exactly that reason. They want tables to "turn over" quickly, and comfortable chairs invite lingering.

Makes sense. Successful minds think the same, I guess.

I mentioned Wayne Kent Taylor - TXRH CEO - saying they purposely make their dessert selection limited to three mediocre items, because for a customer to sit an extra 15 minutes and buy a $5 dessert is not as profitable as turning the tables.

Also why the air conditioning is cold enough to be uncomfortable after a while.

Chick-Fil-A bucks the trend, though. I like their building colors, interior design, cleanliness, and friendly staff. I wouldn't mind spending lots of time there and have enjoyed chats and chilling there.

@shoptastic wrote:

Chick-Fil-A bucks the trend, though. I like their building colors, interior design, cleanliness, and friendly staff. I wouldn't mind spending lots of time there and have enjoyed chats and chilling there.

You are not alone. Their rush hour double-lines at the drive through usually circle the entire lot!

I usually eat some of the hot dogs that Sonic offers, yet have always felt slightly compelled to tip the employee (I usually don't). For the most part, their bathrooms are cleaner than most of the restrooms at other fast food venues + gas stations should I be on a shopping break.

I like the little Sonics in the small towns near me. Friendly staff. The chili cheese dogs are better if you add onions, which they had on them when I was a kid. My dogs get the tots. I'm very popular when I get home. I think they smell the tots when I turn the corner!
What I want to know is, Why do people eat at Jack in the Box?

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/08/2020 01:46AM by kimmysue.

@kimmysue wrote:

I like the little Sonics in the small towns near me. Friendly staff. The chili cheese dogs are better if you add onions, which they had on them when I was a kid. My dogs get the tots. I'm very popular when I get home. I think they smell the tots when I turn the corner!
What I want to know is, Why do people eat at Jack in the Box?

I always get onion on my chili cheese dogs! I think a tiny bit of mustard might give it some kick too. I never ask for that though.

Their hot dogs used to have a really weird aftertaste to them. That changed last year. I wouldn't buy their chili dogs on my own, but I don't mind them on my shops.

@sestrahelena wrote:

You are not alone. Their rush hour double-lines at the drive through usually circle the entire lot!

I wish I could own a Chick-Fil-A, Texas Roadhouse, or In-N-Out and have someone else run it for me.

I think I'd have a very reliable stream of income. They are always packed. Serve quality food. And have great service.

Those lines don't lie!

I have a Sonic at walking distance from my house. (0.2 miles to be exact) I have never done a shop due to no fast food shop rules I impose on myself.

The only time I will eat a hot dog or chili dog now if if I am paid to!

My hometown Sonic is the best one out of the 15+ I have visited. The burgers are usually good, especially the toaster one. I enjoy the onion rings! I love the ice pellets used in the drinks. Some places are greasy and disgusting however which makes me even happier that the one close to home is worth eating at. Every now and then I eat there on my own, especially if I get a good deal in their app.

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