SalemNews.com, Salem, MA

Local News

April 21, 2009

Sonic coming to Route 1 in Peabody

PEABODY — The fast-food restaurant that calls itself "America's Drive-in" has found a spot on Route 1 north.

Sonic restaurant could open in Peabody, between SpringHill and Homewood Suites, by August. It will be the first New England franchise for what is a nationwide chain. Sonic is known locally for its popular commercials featuring humorous exchanges between two patrons in the front seat of their car.

With a drive-through and car-side service, the restaurant, which specializes in burgers, shakes and slushes, has a "retro-style," said Donald Conn, the lawyer representing Sonic's local management. Regina and Gregg Monastiero, former residents of Peabody, are opening the restaurant.

Sonic will not offer indoor seating. It will have outdoor patio seating that will accommodate about 50 along with 41 parking spaces.

The restaurant last week received a special permit from the City Council to operate. Councilors welcomed the business with open arms.

Ward 5 Councilor Dave Gamache praised it for reviving a vacant and overgrown lot.

"I'm quite excited as the ward councilor," he said. Sonic will employ 120 people. It will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Councilor-at-large Jim Liacos applauded his colleagues for voting against an Exxon station that was supposed to occupy the site. It resulted in a prolonged legal battle.

"I'm proud to say we have a better development for sticking to our guns," Liacos said.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Local News

North Shore News Updates on Twitter
Stories Shared on Facebook
AP Video
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion' 5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La. Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal $25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Comments Tracker