Sonic's Desired Location Not Concrete

While Sonic Drive-in officials told Patch in November that they are still interested in an East Meadow location, their desired destination is no longer certain.

Responding to an email from Patch regarding rumors of their looking elsewhere in East Meadow for a potential home for Sonic, Bobby Fannelli, said "there is nothing concrete. We have a broker looking." He then added that he'd let Patch know if they found something. 

"We are still very excited about the possibilities of putting a Sonic in East Meadow," Fannelli said last month. "We are looking to have a plan together very soon. When that time arrives, we will inform you of our intentions."

Spencer Hart, the franchisee who also owns the North Babylon location, sought approval last year for eight variance applications at the former Rita's property. These included special exceptions to install a drive-thru window and use a portion of the premise for outdoor dining, as well as variances for off-street parking. 

Additionally, they were asking for permission to install 24 menu board signs under two proposed canopies, install a drive-thru preview menu and regular menu board and install a speaker and confirmation screen system for the drive-thru.

Many community members were concerned about the effect Sonic would have on traffic, which Fannelli said they dealt with when the North Babylon eatery opened. Others said that Sonic would be a great addition since it's taking the place of a vacant building. 

If Sonic no longer plans on opening at the former Rita's, where do you think they should open? Tell us in the comments section below.