The SONIC Foundation will donate $10,000 on behalf of each team to fund local classroom projects
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the legendary DR PEPPER® SONIC® GAMES training competition, SONIC® is honoring the top 12 drive-in teams that topped the leaderboard in service to their guests and communities! In recognition of these incredible teams, the SONIC Foundation will donate $10,000 to local classroom projects in each team’s hometown. This initiative, totaling $120,000, will fund educational projects submitted by public school teachers through DonorsChoose. This includes classroom materials such as books, art supplies, technology, music and sports equipment, and more.
The DR PEPPER SONIC GAMES are more than a competition; they are SONIC’s flagship event that brings together local drive-in teams from coast to coast to demonstrate efficiency, service and hospitality. Through a series of exciting challenges including training sessions, quizzes and team building activities, these games reflect SONIC’s commitment to providing fun and exceptional guest experiences.
The 12 drive-in teams of the final 2024 are:
- Bossier City, LA – 2802 Barksdale Boulevard
- Costa Mesa, California – 3095 Harbor Boulevard
- El Paso, Texas – 14510 Pebble Hills Blvd
- Grand Rapids, MI – 6454 Caratoke Highway
- Krum, Texas – 1221 E. McCart Street
- Marionville, Missouri – US Highway 60 West
- Minden, LA – 103 Minden Shopping Center Drive
- Mission Viejo, California – 25502 Jeronimo Street
- Newberry, SC – 1624 Wilson Street
- Palmer, Texas – 1639 North Interstate 45
- San Angelo, Texas – 2920 N. Bryant Boulevard
- Sayre, OK – 1109 North 4th Street
“The DR PEPPER SONIC GAMES has been a driving force behind our training and community outreach for thirty years,” said Kevin Knutson, Vice President of Training and Operations at SONIC. “Celebrating the successes of our top teams while giving back to local schools embodies our passion for excellence and community. It’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the communities that have cheered us on.”
Beginning with the January kickoff, where teams were put to the test in everything from food safety to guest service, the road to the Final 12 was a test of confidence in determination, teamwork and SONIC’s core values. This September, the top teams will travel to Las Vegas for an all-expenses-paid trip to SONIC’s annual national convention, where they will compete live in front of a panel of judges and vie for the title of Best Drive-In Team and Most Outstanding Individual Team Member.
“Quality training is key to any successful food service operation, and our long-standing partnership with SONIC as a sponsor of these games underscores our shared commitment to excellence,” said John Orgeron, National Account Executive at Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc. “The Final 12 teams set the bar high with their exceptional service and teamwork and inspired teams across the country.”
Supported by the SONIC Foundation, SONIC donates a portion of all drink, slush and shake sales to support public education through the SONIC Limeades for Learning initiative.* Since 2009, SONIC has donated more than $27 million to fund local classrooms, making it one of the largest programs supporting public education in the United States.
Learn more about the DR PEPPER SONIC GAMES and the drive-in teams from across the country by visiting dpsonicgames.com or following the competing teams on Instagram.
*SONIC donates a portion of the purchase price of each drink, slush and shake to the SONIC Foundation, which supports local schools in the communities SONIC serves through partners like DonorsChoose. The SONIC Foundation is a division of the Inspire Brands Foundation. For more information on the SONIC Foundation, visit foundation.sonicdrivein.com.
