Any of these logos would be used in print at any given time. The only consistent element across all advertising was the hat icon. Given the nature of local small-business advertising during this time period, a consistent identity was not yet viewed as a matter of importance.
Sonic Drive-In[]
1959–1999[]
1959–1974[]
Shortened logo
1974-1981[]
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
Custom
Launched:
June 1974
Sign illustration
Signpost illustration
1978–1996[]
With "America's Drive In" slogan (1988-1999)
1996–1999[]
This was most likely designed as a placeholder logo, as its first appearance came nearly a year after the subsequent mark’s trademark application. This logo would remain on the chain’s website until mid-1999.
July 31, 1996 (first use) May 17, 1998 (full adoption)[1]
According to a 1995 survey, Sonic was best known to consumers for its advertising than its food, so over three years Sonic set out to revitalize the chain’s image just in time for the new millennium. This logo was trademarked on August 10, 1995, and first appeared on the signage of its first "Sonic 2000" prototype location in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in July 1996. The background shapes double as both Googie design elements and arrowheads, representing the chain's home state of Oklahoma.
This logo is still used at many locations and on receipts.
