Overview

This year's competition will take place at a host drive-in in Nashville, TN, on Sunday, October 5. Teams will complete in the order they arrive at the host drive-in on arrival day.

Teams will have the opportunity to preview the host drive-in the day before the competition. After arriving at the airport, shuttles will transport teams to the drive-in, where they can familiarize themselves with the drive-in layout. SONIC Ops staff will be on-site to walk teams through the space and answer any questions. Please note your competition order upon arrival, as this will determine your team's departure time on competition day. If any team member requires special assistance, please get in touch with Games Headquarters before your trip. 

On competition day, shuttles will be available at the transportation desk to take teams to the host drive-in. Teams will remain on the lot until they have finished competing. Each team can expect to be at the host drive-in for up to 4 hours, after which they'll be shuttled back to the hotel. 

Franchise Representatives and non-competing guests will NOT be allowed inside the drive-in during the competition and will not be able to watch teams compete directly. However, they are encouraged to attend the event and cheer on their teams before and after their scheduled competition time. We'll have food, games, and activities available on the opposite side of the drive-in for all guests to enjoy while competition is underway. 

Competition

The competition evaluates how well your team (1 Manager + 6 team members) works together in a simulated lunch rush while upholding SONIC operational procedures. Team members will also be judged at their assigned stations: Carhop, Dresser, Fountain & Frozen, Grill, Swamp, and Switchboard. The Manager will lead the team during the competition and be scored on leadership and performance. 

Note: Only stall service will be judged. No orders will be placed through the drive-thru, but Order Ahead may be in play! 

Attire for Competition

All seven (7) competing team members must adhere to SONIC's Uniform & Appearance Standards during the competition. 

  • Games HQ will provide each competing team member with an official competition shirt upon arrival, which you are welcome to wear during the competition. 
  • Bottoms: SONIC-approved black pants or dark jeans. 
  • Layered Clothing: Any jacket, vest, or other outerwear must feature a visible SONIC logo
  • Accessories: SONIC-approved name tag, cap/visor, or apron
  • Footwear: SONIC-approved non-skid, closed-toe, and closed-heel shoes. Shoes must be recognized as safe for use in restaurants. High heels and sandals are not permitted. 
  • Skates: If worn, skates must be well-maintained and SONIC brand approved. 

Evaluations

There will be team and individual station evaluations.

Team Evaluation

Each team will have 5 minutes to prepare their drive-in for a typical daily lunch rush, followed by 40 minutes of competition, with about 35 minutes of active ordering. To ensure fairness, all teams will receive the same food orders, placed at the same pace and format. Expect a challenge — this lunch rush will be more intense than a typical one at your drive-in.

Judges will place stall orders just like regular guests — using the red button and menu speaker. The pace will gradually increase to simulate a real rush, then taper off. Teams will be evaluated on operational excellence, food quality, and service standards, based on SONIC's Operations Manual.

Individual Station Evaluation

Each team member will also be individually assessed on their station performance, similar to the Action Trials found on the Games website. Evaluations will focus on procedure adherence, service standards, and food quality, based on criteria from the Ops Manual. 

Guidelines

  1. Be On Time: Teams must depart promptly for their scheduled competition time. Communicate with your team Manager to stay on schedule. Late arrivals may result in point deductions or disqualifications, as determined by the Judging Committee. 
  2. Uniform Compliance: All competitors must wear complete, SONIC-approved uniforms at all times, with no exceptions. Non-compliance may lead to point deductions or disqualification. 
  3. No Cheating: Cheating will not be tolerated. Team Managers and members must not share competition details with others, even within the same franchise. Violations may result in disqualification.
  4. Contest Protocols: Only team Managers may contest Judges' rulings. All inquiries must be addressed with the on-site SONIC Coordinators before leaving the host drive-in. All rulings are final.
  5. Brand Representation: Remember, you represent not only yourselves and your Franchisee/Partners, but also the SONIC and Dr Pepper brands. 
  6. Celebrate Your Success: Regardless of the outcome, remember — your drive-in is one of only 12 in the SONIC system to make it to this round. That's a major achievement!