KBP Brands has acquired 78 company owned restaurants from Sonic Drive-In, expanding its presence within the drive in chain’s largely franchised system. The locations, spread across Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, increase KBP’s Sonic portfolio to 164 restaurants in eight states and make it one of the brand’s largest franchise operators.
The acquisition marks KBP’s second Sonic transaction in less than two years. The Leawood, Kansas‑based operator first added Sonic to its portfolio in 2024 when it bought 85 Drive‑In restaurants from Boom Inc. in several southeastern states.
Sonic Drive‑In, founded in 1953 and now part of Inspire Brands, operates more than 3,400 restaurants in 47 states. The chain is known for its drive‑in format and wide menu of burgers, shakes, slushes and other quick‑service fare, with the vast majority of its restaurants franchised rather than corporate‑owned.
KBP Brands, one of the largest franchise groups in the United States, now operates more than 1,100 restaurants across its Sonic, KFC, Taco Bell and Arby’s portfolios in 32 states. Terms of the Sonic acquisition were not disclosed.
In a statement, KBP’s CEO Mike Kulp said the company “had a successful five‑year partnership with Inspire Brands and have seen strong results from our initial Sonic purchase”, highlighting the expanded footprint and operational efficiencies expected with the new restaurants. John Kelly, Sonic’s brand president, also issued a statement affirming the strength of the growing relationship.
Sonic’s franchise system continues to be a core part of its business model, with independent operators running the majority of locations nationwide. With this deal, KBP has become the fourth‑largest franchisee in the Sonic system by unit count.
The restaurant industry has seen several large‑scale franchise transactions in recent years, and Sonic’s expansion through established multi‑unit operators like KBP underscores the ongoing role of franchising in the growth strategies of major quick‑service brands.
