SONIC Debuts UL Sponsorship and One-of-a-Kind Burger

Press release courtesy Michelle Walker, Market Leader of SONIC-Drive Inn

Contact: Michelle Walker & Gary Wilkerson

OKLAHOMA CITY – Communities across the country show support for their local university and the football team in a variety of ways. SONIC Drive-Ins in the Acadiana area have come up with something very different; a new way to support the Ragin’ Cajuns SONIC-style.
 
SONIC is partnering with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL) for a unique sponsorship which includes an edible Ragin’ Cajuns logo to hamburger buns and a new one-of-akind hamburger.
 
"We wanted a fun and different way to support the Ragin’ Cajuns and the edible logo seemed like a great fit,” said Ted Kergan, local SONIC franchisee. “Putting a school logo on a bun has never been done before in the area or at SONIC. We are excited to offer this menu item to our customers and for the opportunity to promote the university."
 
The edible Ragin’ Cajuns logo isn’t the only special part of the new burger. It will contain locally produced products like Tabasco Brand spicy mayonnaise and a packet of Tony Chachere’s creole seasoning is included as a lagniappe. Kickin’ Cajun fried onions and pepper jack cheese will complete the unique flavor profile of the Ragin’ Cajun burger.
 
"Every year, we get requests for use of the Ragin’ Cajun trademark, but this is the most unique opportunity we’ve had to promote the university and our team," said UL coach Mark Hudspeth. “Ordering this hamburger is a great way to show support for our team and I know that I will have one every week to get ready for the upcoming game!"
 
The Ragin’ Cajun Combo includes the Ragin’ Cajun burger, medium tots or French fries and a medium drink. It will be available Monday, Aug. 27, through Monday, Dec. 31, at all SONIC Drive-Ins in the Acadiana area. SONIC will be the presenting sponsor of the home opener against Lamar on Saturday, Sept. 1, and again for the game against Tulane on Saturday, Oct. 6. The new Ragin’ Cajun burger will be promoted during tailgating activities at all home games this season.
 
SONIC®, America’s Drive-In® (NASDAQ/NM: SONC) started as a hamburger and root beer stand in 1953 in Shawnee, Okla., called Top Hat Drive-In, and then changed its name to SONIC in 1959. The first drive-in to adopt the SONIC name is still serving customers in Stillwater, Okla. As the nation’s largest chain of drive-in restaurants, SONIC has more than 3,500 drive-ins in 43 states coast to coast. Approximately 3 million customers eat at SONIC every day; and with more drink combinations than any other quick-service restaurant –398,929 – SONIC is Your Ultimate Drink Stop®. For more information about Sonic Corp. and its subsidiaries, visit SONIC at SonicDriveIn.com. Through Limeades for Learning®, SONIC and its franchise partners have donated more than $2 million to public school classrooms in local communities across the country.

Submitted by Eric Maron
Asst. Director for Athletic Marketing
University of Louisiana at Lafayette