Gillman of Northwest Atlantic represents SONIC franchisee in 1,700 s/f lease

According to Northwest Atlantic Real Estate Services, LLC, the grand opening of a 1,700 s/f location for SONIC Drive-In Burgers at 1380 Deer Park Ave. occurred recently. This marks one of the first SONIC locations in Long Island. "SONIC doesn't just do a great burger," said Steve Gillman, executive vice president of Northwest Atlantic and the broker who represents the SONIC franchisee, "they provide that classic car-hop experience where your food is brought to you by someone on roller skates." On April 23, the drive-in was opened for friends and family. Monday's grand opening was at 9 a.m. and in attendance were local dignitaries to cut the official ribbon. Although the actual building is only 1,700 s/f, the unique nature of the SONIC offering requires at least three quarters of an acre footprint. The North Babylon location has 22 canopy stalls where patrons drive-in to a stall, park, browse the menu, then order; a few minutes later a carhop delivers the food and you eat right there in your car, just the way it used to be. "The location also has a 16-seat heated patio as well as a full-drive through service," said Gillman. Oklahoma City based SONIC Drive-In is the largest chain of drive-in restaurants in America. Offering Carhop service and a classic American menu with signature items, its first location opened in 1953 the company now has over 3500 locations. "We're very excited about this opening," says Robert Fanelli, chief operating officer of SONIC franchisee that owns this unit, "and we look forward to bringing more SONIC Drive-Ins to Long Island." The landlord is the Spelman Family and the site is adjacent to Spelman Corners.