Sonic Drive-In is set to return to Loves Park under a new franchisee

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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LOVES PARK — The last Sonic Drive-In to close in the Rockford area is now set to be the first to make a comeback.

Work is underway to reopen Sonic at 1602 E. Riverside Blvd. under a new franchise owner. Seth Wolken, president of Boom Enterprises, said the goal is to reopen the restaurant by mid-February.

“We’re really pushing to get it open as soon as possible, but there’s still some odds and ends that need cleaning up,” Wolken said. “We’re excited to bring Sonic back to Loves Park and we’re looking forward to serving the community again.”

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The Loves Park location opened in November 2010 and operated for 13 years before closing. There were three Sonic restaurants in the Rockford area at one time, and the Riverside Boulevard location was the last to close.

The Sonic at 2195 N. State St. in Belvidere closed in 2015, and the property is now home to Lucky Mustangs Bar & Slots. The Sonic at 2137 S. Perryville Road in Cherry Valley closed in winter 2021, and work is underway to use the building for a future Starbucks.

Wolken said his company worked with Sonic and its owner Inspire Brands to lease the space and reopen the store after its closure. Boom Enterprises also has several Sonic locations in the western suburbs and other parts of Chicagoland.

Wolken said his company previously looked at taking over the site prior to 2020, but the deal was halted when the coronavirus pandemic took hold.

“There was a desire years ago to get into the community,” Wolken said. “When this opportunity presented itself, Sonic was supportive and we decided to move forward.”

Related: Here’s what’s set to fill the former Sonic Drive-In in Cherry Valley

Hiring has begun for the future Sonic. You can apply through the company’s website.

The classic carhop company was founded by Troy Smith Sr. in 1953 and now has more than 3,500 locations across the country.

Its staples include the Chili Cheese Coney, which is an all beef hot dog with shredded cheddar cheese and chili, as well as its Sonic cheeseburger combo, shakes, slushies and Sonic Blasts.

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas