Pictured is progressing construction on the planned Sonic Drive-In, seven years after it was first made public. Sonic Corp first announced in fall of 2018 its intention to open a Sonic Drive-In in Fillmore. Covid and other factors stalled that plan. In September 2023 it was announced Sonic would open here in the spring of 2024. Then in December 2023 the opening was pushed back to November 2024. Construction finally began around July 2024 in the vacant lot located at 643 W. Ventura Street (SR 126). The latest announcement for completion is spring 2026. In September of 2018 Sonic Corp. was purchased by Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings (Inspire Brands) for $2.3 billion. Inspire Brands is just one of many portfolio/parent companies of Roark Capital. Among other units in Roark’s portfolio are Carl’s Jr., Hardees, Auntie Anne’s Pretzel, Jimmy John’s, Carvel Ice Cream, Cinnabon, Jamba Juice, and Moe’s Southwest Grill. In 1958, Top Hats existed in Enid and Stillwater, Oklahoma. However, only four opened, because the name was already copyrighted to another business. Echoing the jet age, Top Hat’s slogan was “Service with the Speed of Sound,” so the new name “Sonic” was chosen. There are now 80 Sonic’s in California alone. Photo credit Gazette staff.