Sonic’s New MN Spot Breaks the Mold—Here’s What’s Different

Sonic is serving up even more of its signature burgers, tots, and slushes with the opening of its sixth location in Minnesota. The popular chain’s newest spot is set to open soon, but it comes with a twist.

It seems that the Land of 10,000 Lakes has seen several longtime restaurants close recently, like this classic in Minneapolis, which had been in business for over 50 years and permanently closed earlier this summer. Then there was the story about the longtime Minnesota business that had been operating for over 72 years, which will close for good this year as well.

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Of course, there *have* been other restaurants that have announced that they're opening new locations here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes this year, too. (Looking at you, Dave's Hot Chicken, which announced plans to open up to 18 locations throughout the state, including cities like Rochester and St. Cloud.)

There's also the Chick N Max chain, which said it was eyeing Minnesota as part of its development goals to add as many as 50 locations to its pipeline across the region in the next two years.

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Back in June, we heard that Minnesota is at the forefront of the expansion list for the Chicken Salad Chick chain, which plans to add multiple locations in the Twin Cities metro area this year.

And earlier this week, we heard that a new viral favorite, Roni's Mac Bar, will be opening its first-ever location in Minnesota, at the Mall of America later this fall. And now comes news that another popular chain is expanding here, as well.

Sonic, the drive-in chain that started as a root beer stand called Top Hat in Shawnee, Oklahoma, back in 1953, just announced it's adding its sixth location in Minnesota later this year. Sonic is one of the biggest fast food chains in the U.S. these days, with over 3,500 locations across 46 states.

Here in Minnesota, you can find Sonic locations in five different cities:

• Bloomington
• Columbia Heights
• Elk River
• Saint Paul
• Savage

Sonic's New Minnesota Location Won't Have A Drive-In

And now, Sonic is opening a new location-- it's first ever in Minneapolis, but it won't be the Sonic you're used to. This new Sonic won't have a drive-up, but will instead be located on the campus of the University of Minnesota, inside Coffman Memorial Union, right next to Starbucks, according to BringMeTheNews.

The newest Minnesota Sonic is scheduled to open sometime in October 2025, BringMeTheNews reported, and will offer staples from the Sonic menu, and will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

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