Julia Williams

Editor-in-Chief

Sonic Drive-In at 4200 Independence Ave., is a franchise within the Sonic Corporation. And while this location’s current owners have operated the business since 2017, General Manager Sarah Branch has worked at this Avenue Sonic for the past four and a half years. 

A Northeast native, Branch grew up just off Hardesty and St. John Avenues. It is this rooted connection, she shared, which continues to drive her passion for community. 

“I’m thankful for being able to work here, to be in the area and to be a part of it,” she shared in an interview. 

Throughout her time as General Manager, she said there are several efforts she has made to aid in the business’s contributions to the Northeast community.

One of these includes its “Limeades for Learning” — a partnership between this Sonic location and Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) to provide drinks to teachers. This program has at times offered blankets and shoes in addition to beverages.

“We try to be aware of the community around us,” Branch said in an interview. “We try to share the love with a little bit of everyone within our radius.” 

Branch went on to explain that they try to offer 99 cent drinks to all KCPS teachers beyond those who are located just off the Avenue. Along with teachers, Branch shared that this Sonic has additionally worked with Northeast High School sports teams and its coaches to offer a discount on root beer floats after games. 

“We know it’s tough to be teaching and coaches usually pay out-of-pocket [for their athletes],” she said. 

Another way this location has worked to become involved within the community is by hiring employees from Healing House, which Branch shared is where she gets a majority of her best employees. 

Staffing at this location, Branch said, varies depending on the season. During summer months such as this one, the restaurant will staff anywhere from 45 to 50 employees — having three to four people on for a day shift and upwards of 10 to 12 people scheduled for a night time shift, which she shared is traditionally the business’s busiest time. 

When asked about roller skates — which various Sonic franchise employees can be seen sporting throughout the U.S. — Branch said they are not something she requires her staff to wear, but that they are welcome to any staffer interested in lacing up the wheels. However, there are no current employees at this Avenue location who wear skates — including Branch. 

Over the years, her favorite aspect of working as the General Manager and in the Northeast, remains the people.

“I love the people; I love the staff,” she shared. “I’m starting to get regulars, which wasn’t a thing when I took the store over, but now it’s becoming one, which is nice.”

For additional information on this Independence Avenue Sonic Drive-In location — including hours of operation and menu items — visit: https://www.sonicdrivein.com/locations/us/mo/kansas-city/4200-independence-avenue/store-1143/?utm_source=google%20my%20business&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=website%20link.