That old-school, fun-loving feeling is coming back to a Sonic near you. The drive-in's latest ads have hyped up the comeback of their famous roller-skating carhops.
It was common to see these skating servers in the 60s and 70s but Sonic ditched them in the 80s. Now they're going back to their roots in hopes of gaining a competitive edge.
It's a point of distinction "with a nostalgic twist," Annika Stensson, spokeswoman for the
National Restaurant Association, tells USA Today.
With so many choices and such a competitve market, having something to set you apart in the fast-food industry is vital. This reinvention may be just what Sonic needs to bring the fun and exciting spirit back to its image.
It will also bring in the dough. The average Sonic with skaters pulls in $50,000 more in annual sales vs. one without, CEO J. Clifford Hudson says. Customers are happier and spend more money when there are skaters.
Seems like Sonic should've stuck to its strengths. I think the carhops are what set it apart and make Sonic an experience instead of just dinner.
Go here to see some pics of carhops of the past and present.
I am so glad that they are bringing back the skaters. This is a great public relations tactic. This definitely will bring in older customers because of the nostalgia and children who love being served by skaters. I would definitely be more likely to go to a skater sonic than a regular sonic. I would also probably tip the skater more for just being able to do it, considering I can't skate very well. Hopefully, this tactic will pay off for Sonic!
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