A beloved national chain is preparing a lot on the corner of Poplar and Yates to feed hungry Memphis residents for the first time since 2021. Plans are in motion to bring a Sonic Drive-In to the site that was last occupied by a Wendy’s, ensuring that after a period of dormancy it will continue to serve fast-casual favorites to the community.
There are currently no signs of life at the 5541 Poplar Avenue lot. The Wendy’s was demolished in 2021 and Sonic’s plans are still in the very early stages. While an administrative site plan review has been filed with the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development, owner Ronnie Solberg confirmed to What Now Memphis that it is too soon to offer much detail about the impending location. He has kindly offered to share information as it becomes available and we will update readers as the storefront develops.
Sonic has long been a fixture of the fast-casual dining scene. The chain opened its first location in 1953, though it was called Top Hat Drive-In at the time. In 1959 it became “Sonic”, and truly made its mark on the restaurant industry.
While the world around it has changed, Sonic has held onto some of the more charming components of the era when it was created. Guests can look forward to having their classic American comfort food delivered directly to their vehicles by carhops on roller skates. The chain has a massive presence in the United States; there are around 3,500 Sonic storefronts nationwide.
