The SONIC Foundation to donate $10,000 on behalf of each team to fund local classroom projects
To mark the 30th anniversary of the legendary DR PEPPER® SONIC® GAMES training competition, SONIC® is honoring the top 12 drive-in teams that soared to the top of the leaderboard as they served their guests and communities! In recognition of these incredible teams, the SONIC Foundation is donating $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 essentials such as books, art supplies, technology, musical and sports equipment, and more.
The DR PEPPER SONIC GAMES are more than a competition; they’re SONIC’s flagship event, bringing together local drive-in teams from coast to coast to showcase 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 delivering fun and exceptional guest experiences.
The 2024 Final 12 Drive-In Teams are:
- Bossier City, LA – 2802 Barksdale Boulevard
- Costa Mesa, CA – 3095 Harbor Boulevard
- El Paso, TX – 14510 Pebble Hills Boulevard
- Grandy, NC – 6454 Caratoke Highway
- Krum, TX – 1221 E. McCart Street
- Marionville, MO – US Highway 60 West
- Minden, LA – 103 Minden Shopping Center Drive
- Mission Viejo, CA – 25502 Jeronimo Road
- Newberry, SC – 1624 Wilson Road
- Palmer, TX – 1639 North Interstate 45
- San Angelo, TX – 2920 N. Bryant Boulevard
- Sayre, OK – 1109 North 4th Street
“The DR PEPPER SONIC GAMES have 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 success 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.”
Starting with January’s kickoff, where teams were put to the test on everything from food safety to guest service, the journey to the Final 12 has been a trust test of grit, teamwork, and SONIC’s core values. This September, the top teams will head to Las Vegas for an all-expenses-paid trip to SONIC’s Annual National Convention. There, they’ll compete live in front of a panel of judges, vying for the title of top drive-in team and standout individual team members.
“Quality training is key to any successful food service operation, and our long-standing partnership with SONIC to sponsor these games underscores our shared dedication to excellence,” said John Orgeron, National Account Executive for Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc. “The Final 12 teams have set the bar high with their exceptional service and teamwork, inspiring teams nationwide.”
Powered 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 funding local classrooms, becoming one of the largest programs to support public education in the U.S.
Learn more about the DR PEPPER SONIC GAMES and the drive-in teams competing from across the country by visiting dpsonicgames.com, or follow along with the competing teams on Instagram.
*SONIC donates a portion of every drink, slush, and shake purchase to the SONIC Foundation, which is used to support local schools across the communities SONIC serves through partners like DonorsChoose. The SONIC Foundation is a division of the Inspire Brands Foundation. For more information about the SONIC Foundation, visit foundation.sonicdrivein.com.
