Skip to Main Content

First Sonic Drive-In.

First Sonic Drive-In Sign

Field review by the editors.

Stillwater, Oklahoma

A survivor from the fast food era of carhops and order-by-speaker service, Sonic still thrives, spread across the Lower 48 in 3,500+ locations. The original prototype for the chain was opened in 1953 in Shawnee, Oklahoma by restaurant entrepreneur Troy N. Smith and named Top Hat Drive-In. In 1956 the first franchise opened in Woodward, Oklahoma. The Stillwater franchise drive-in was constructed and opened in 1958, along with another in Enid. In 1959, to avoid conflict with another food business trademarked Top Hat, Smith changed his to Sonic. The first Sonic sign was installed at the third location, Stillwater -- so apparently that cemented its status as the "first" Sonic.

Gene Longworth, Sonic's first manager.

In 2015, the Stillwater Sonic building was torn down to make way for a modernized Sonic. The original sign ("Service With the Speed of Sound") was retained. A life-size bronze statue of Gene Longworth, Sonic's first manager, awaits your appreciation between chomps and glugs.

First Sonic Drive-In Sign

Address:
215 N Main St., Stillwater, OK
Directions:
East side of Main St.
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Full-Size Transformer: Optimus PrimeFull-Size Transformer: Optimus Prime, Stillwater, OK - 2 mi.
Full-Size Transformer: BumblebeeFull-Size Transformer: Bumblebee, Stillwater, OK - 4 mi.
Folk Art Protest SignsFolk Art Protest Signs, Perry, OK - 14 mi.
In the region:
World's Tallest Gas Pump, Sapulpa, OK - 53 mi.

More Quirky Attractions in Oklahoma

Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in Oklahoma.

Explore Thousands of Unique Roadside Landmarks!

Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. Start here.
Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Create Your Own Bizarre Road Trips! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

Oklahoma Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

JFK's World Famous Twine Ball, Highland, Wisconsin (Mar 18-24, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings

Favorite Quirky City Sights