(UPDATE: The Sonic Drive-In began service to customers on Monday, August 14, but has been open only sporadically thus far — with very limited hours. Requests for information on their plans have not received responses.)
It’s the news thousands of Sonic Drive-In fans in Loudoun County have been waiting to hear — when the new Leesburg location will finally open for business. Now, we know the big day is almost here.
According to the Sonic team in Leesburg, the new drive-in restaurant should open this coming Monday, August 14.
Workers were at the store today, racing to put the finishing touches on the building — inside and out — as well as the drive-in spots with their massive order boards.
Even more noteworthy — another major milestone was passed when the Sonic sign was installed on the front of the building this morning.
It has been a long haul for the folks bringing Sonic to Loudoun just as it has been a long haul for folks eager for it to open. The Burn first broke the news that the brand was exploring a Leesburg location back in November 2019.
It was a nearly a year later — September 2020 — when The Burn reported that a deal had been finalized and that Sonic would be coming to the Oaklawn development, near the intersection of Battlefield Parkway SE and Miller Drive SE.
Now, nearly three years and one pandemic later, Loudoun County’s first Sonic Drive-In is ready to roll.
Like any new restaurant, the Sonic team is hoping for some grace from customers in the early days.
As we’ve seen with the openings of other popular brands in the region — such as Bojangles and Cook-Out — there could be long lines and short tempers right at a time that a new staff is trying to learn the ropes and make sure everything works correctly.
According to the brand’s website, there are 53 Sonics in Virginia, but most are down south. Here in the Northern Virginia area, there is one in Manassas and one out in Winchester. So, the new Leesburg store will be one of the few outposts in the region.
Regardless — if all stays on track, local fans of the brand be able to get their Chicken Slingers, Tater Tots, Chili Cheese Coneys, Blue Raspberry Slushes, and Classic Shakes starting next Monday.