Sonic 2009 Annual Report Download - page 55

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On October 26, 2009, with the passing of Troy Smith, the
restaurant industry lost one of its great pioneers, and the
Sonic family lost its founder, its number one cheerleader
and a source for inspiration and motivation that spanned
almost six decades.
A keen judge of people and a quick study of changing
trends, Troy swiftly seized the significance of America's
growing infatuation with the automobile following World
War II and the newfound mobility it brought to the nation.
Capitalizing on these emerging trends, in 1953 he began
operating Top Hat Drive-In (renamed Sonic Drive-In in
1959) to help propel a sector of the restaurant industry
that had struggled for an identity since the 1920s –
roadside root beer stands and dusty drive-ins – into a new
era of growth and prosperity. A visionary in this business,
Troy devised or championed many innovations now
considered standard features of the modern-day drive-in,
such as diagonal parking stalls, canopy covers, intercom
ordering devices, and on-lot music. He was a simple man,
yet one of great character and integrity, as seen by early
franchise agreements that were sealed merely by
handshakes, and royalties that were calculated based on
the number of sacks ordered from suppliers.
More than anything, Troy Smith lived and breathed Sonic
with unbridled passion and enthusiasm, grounded by a
laser-like focus on customer service. He believed every
customer was worth a mint, and to this day, every Sonic
order is delivered to customers with a Sonic peppermint.
Troy led by example, and he convinced those who have
come after him to embrace the notion of service with the
speed of sound, the early-day tag line of the fledgling
drive-in chain.
His positive influence over generations of people
associated with the Sonic brand simply cannot be
calculated. Ultimately, his joy came from providing
opportunities to others, and thousands of people can
attribute their professional success to the humble man
from Shawnee, OK. While he will be greatly missed,
his legacy continues. You’re worth a mint, Troy.
In Memoriam
T r o y N . S m i t h , S r.
Founder of Sonic Drive-Ins
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