Sonic Drive-In Celebrates New Location

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the new Sonic Drive-In location in the Batesville area. The event brought together community members, local leaders, and chamber ambassadors to officially welcome Sonic to its new home and recognize its charitable support of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch.

Silje Antonsen, representing First Community Bank and serving as a Chamber Ambassador, opened the ceremony by welcoming attendees to the beautiful new location where she led the countdown to the official ribbon cutting. “We’re so excited to be here today at this brand-new location,” Antonsen said. “Let’s countdown—5, 4, 3, 2, 1!”

Jeremy Adams, Area Manager for Sonic, expressed enthusiasm for the opening. “I think we’ve done a great job to officially have Sonic here,” Adams said. “It’s a great location. Come out today, get your Sonic burger, get your favorite Sonic drink, and celebrate with us. We’ll be here —until the next ribbon cutting—have a great day!”

Adding a special touch to the celebration, Chamber Ambassador Sydney Wood of Main Street Batesville introduced the Chamber’s newest ambassador—Fifi, an 11-year-old Bichon Frise. “The great thing about Sonic is there’s something for everyone on the menu—including pup cups for little Fifi and all our furry friends,” Wood shared.

Amanda Roberts, Membership Engagement Specialist with the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, thanked Sonic for its longstanding support. “We are very happy that Sonic has this huge, great new location,” Roberts said. “They have been wonderful Chamber members for many years, supporting the area’s growth. Today, we’re also excited to celebrate their contribution to the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch.”

The celebration included a special check presentation to representatives of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch. Cody Davis joined Sonic team members in presenting the contribution to Matt Cleveland, who expressed gratitude on behalf of the organization. The donation will support the Ranch’s Giving Tuesday drive in December, helping fund daily operations that provide safe, loving, and permanent homes for children in need. Founded in 1976 by Arkansas sheriffs, the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch has provided hope, healing, and a home to thousands of children from across the state. The Ranch remains committed to addressing, remedying, and preventing child abuse and neglect.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce congratulates Sonic on its grand opening and applauds its continued dedication to supporting both local economic growth and meaningful community causes. The new location is at the corner of St. Louis and Lawrence where Sonic car hops are ready to serve up delicious burgers, shakes, and snacks!

Ambassadors in attendance include:  Andrea Bruner (Network of Community Options), Ashley Davis (Citizens Bank), Brenda Rivera (First Community Bank), Chad Whiteaker (White River Now), Eva Henriksen (Merchants and Planters Bank), Fifi Roberts (BACC), Julie Hinkle (Bank of Cave City), Kaitlin Thorogood (Jay Chafin Insurance Agency), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Lori Campbell (Batesville School District), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care), Lucy Gonzalez Arizmendi (George's Inc), Megan Strother (George's Inc.), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Roxanne Rananudo (Family Violence Prevention), Silje Antonsen (First Community Bank), Sydney Wood (Main Street Batesville), Taylor Williams (First Community Bank), and Tiffany Traw (UACCB).