KBP Brands Becomes Sonic’s 4th Largest Franchisee

KBP Brands scooped up 78 Sonic drive-in locations across Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

The newly acquired locations were owned and operated by Sonic, part of the Inspire Brands portfolio since 2018, which KBP has partnered with since adding Arby’s to its restaurant portfolio in 2021. Sonic joined the KBP portfolio in August 2024.

“We’ve had a successful five-year partnership with Inspire Brands and have seen strong results from our initial Sonic purchase,” says Mike Kulp, CEO of KBP Brands, in a Feb. 24 press release. “We look forward to expanding that with a larger footprint and additional operational efficiencies.”

The acquisition also brings an additional 1,600 employees to KBP. Mark Everett, the executive vice president of KBP, will continue to lead the company’s drive-in business with Chief Operating Officer Matt Hansen.