Billings News

Crowds of enthusiastic diners welcome Billings' first Sonic

Posted: Mar 14, 2011 4:26 PM by Kelly Werthmann - Q2 News
Updated: Mar 15, 2011 9:16 AM

BILLINGS - The wait is finally over! Billings' first Sonic Drive-In is now open for business.

Monday was a big day for fast-food fans, as people lined up all day to get a bite from the new restaurant.

"Sonic is known to pack 'em in on their first days," said Peter Orrantia, General Manager of the Billings Sonic. "We anticipate that, Main Street being what it is. But it may start out slow, it may start out with a bang."

The grand opening of Sonic kicked off with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 o'clock Monday morning. Then, less than 15 minutes after the restaurant opened to the public, every drive-in stall at Sonic was taken and there was a long line at the drive-thru window.

One of the first customers, Jake Mettler, has been waiting for this day for years. "We were happy! We've wanted one here since we've lived here" he said.

Even Billings Mayor Tom Hanel couldn't resist checking out the new drive-in diner, saying it looked very inviting.

All the hype over Sonic comes down to the experience

"You can't just say it's fast food, it's not," saidLance Hatzenbeller, Vice President of Operations for Shoot the Moon, LLC. "It's an experience to come and watch our carhops, experience a menu all day long, so if at 6 a.m. you want a burger or if you want a coney dog early in the morning, you can get those things."

The first Sonic in Billings brings more than just a unique menu, it also brings unique job opportunities as well.

"We employed 86 people so we offer more employment in an economy when jobs are hard to come by" Hatzenbeller said.

Hatzenbeller also says they are looking to open a Sonic on the West End.

"We know that it can support another one. We've got 6 more Sonic restaruants that we have to build in the state. The Heights was a great first location for us and I'm sure you'll see another one quickly on the West End" he said.

Sonic's normal operating hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. everyday, starting Tuesday.

Topics: Sonic, Billings, drive-in, crowds, Heights, grand opening