Sonic franchise planned at former Perkins site

Sonic franchisee D.L. Rogers Corp. is moving its drive-in restaurant near Bass Pro Shops a few blocks east.

Jim Peoples, regional director over Missouri for Grapevine, Texas-based D.L. Rogers, said a timeline has not yet been set for the new Sonic at 729 W. Sunshine St. The company recently razed a former Perkins building to make way for the project.

"It's a good opportunity," he said, pointing to other restaurants along the West Sunshine Street corridor.

The 1,800-square-foot Sonic is designed with 24 stalls, a drive-thru and a play facility, Peoples said. He declined to project the planned start of construction, citing slowness in the permitting process – likely due to the lack of in-person meetings per coronavirus safety precautions.

The restaurant will replace the company’s Sonic at 1107 W. Sunshine St., Peoples said.

D.L. Rogers purchased the 729 W. Sunshine property after Perkins Restaurant & Bakery closed in late 2019, Peoples said. D.L. Rogers briefly leased the building to Norma's Carriage House, but the restaurant closed amid the coronavirus pandemic.