Gary Kinslow, SONIC Franchisee, wins the
restaurant chain’s most prestigious award
SONIC® Drive-In (NASDAQ: SONC), the nation’s largest chain of
drive-in restaurants, presented ten awards to franchisees and
operators at the 2017 SONIC National Convention in Denver, Colo.
Every year, SONIC recognizes exemplary individuals and franchise
groups to honor those who have a proven track record of strong
leadership skills and led the brand.
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Gary Kinslow accepting Troy Smith Award
at 2017 SONIC National Convention (Photo: Business Wire)
Troy Smith Hall of Fame: Gary Kinslow
Named after SONIC’s founder, induction into the Troy Smith Hall
of Fame is SONIC’s most prestigious award, given to a franchisee
who has worked with SONIC for a notable amount of time while making
a significant contribution to the brand in terms of leadership,
growth and positive influence. This year, SONIC presented the Troy
Smith Hall of Fame Award to Gary Kinslow, second generation SONIC
franchisee and leader of Kinslow SONIC Group. Based in Prague,
Okla., Kinslow SONIC Group owns and operates 40 SONIC Drive-Ins in
Oklahoma, Texas and Mississippi. In 1969, Kinslow started his
career at SONIC as a cook for his father when he was just 14 years
old. Now, Kinslow leads his team to provide guests with a
remarkable SONIC experience every day.
“Gary has lived and breathed SONIC his entire life and has vast
knowledge of the brand,” said Clifford Hudson, Sonic Corp. CEO. “He
truly captures the spirit of Troy Smith and the inspiring
entrepreneurial spirit of SONIC’s founder.”
Chain Leader Award: Steve Gonzalez
The SONIC Chain Leader Award was presented to Steve Gonzalez,
director of the Warren Group in recognition of his success in
exerting both leadership skills and a positive influence on his
organization and the SONIC brand. Based in Lubbock, Texas, and
operating 24 drive-ins, Gonzalez focuses on retaining good people
and building a solid infrastructure through his strong
leadership.
Turnaround Operator Award: Norm Kaufman
Norm Kaufman, SONIC franchisee and leader of Brand Ventures, LLC
was presented with the SONIC Turnaround Operator Award. This award
honors an individual or group responsible for turning around
operations, sales and profit performance of one or more SONIC
Drive-Ins. Based in St. Louis, Mo., Kaufman focused on two areas:
guest service and people development. The group has built strong,
long-lasting relationships with their employees, demonstrating
Kaufman’s belief that developing great people can help turnaround
any aspect of business.
Great People Award: Buddy McClain
SONIC presented Buddy McClain, franchisee and leader of McClain,
Vaughn and Partners franchise group, with the SONIC Great People
Award. This award is given to an individual or group who has made
the recruitment, training, development and retention of people a
top priority and strategy for growth. Based in Jackson, Miss.,
McClain developed an innovative management program and is reaping
rewards in his 100 drive-in locations across Mississippi, Texas and
Florida.
Operational Excellence Awards: Eddie Frey and Jeff
Simmons
The SONIC Operational Excellence Award was presented to Eddie
Frey, operating partner for the D.L. Rogers Group, and to Jeff
Simmons, general manager for the Jimmy Hodges franchise group. This
honor is awarded to individuals responsible for supervision of less
than five drive-ins with a proven track record of upgrading talent
and growing sales and profits. Based in Elizabeth City, N.C., Frey
started his career with SONIC as a manager trainee in 2003, and
worked his way up to operating partner at three drive-ins located
in Hartsville, S.C., Fayetteville, N.C., and Elizabeth City, N.C.
Simmons, based in Mandeville, La., started his career with SONIC in
2011 in the kitchen and is now a general manager. Both Frey and
Simmons make it a priority to attract guests, build loyalty and
make a positive difference in their local communities.
Multi-Unit Leader Awards: Justin Chandler and Dora
Simonds
Justin Chandler, director of operations for MHR Group, and Dora
Simonds, director of operations for the Rubyhill Group are
recipients of the Multi-Unit Leader Award. This honor is awarded to
individuals responsible for supervising more than five drive-ins
with a proven track record of upgrading talent, delivering
outstanding guest service and growing financial performance of
their drive-ins. Based in Dallas, Texas, Chandler oversees 16
drive-ins in the MHR Group and is known for his leadership and
drive to constantly look for ways to improve in every aspect of the
business, from people development to achieving great results.
Simonds is the director of operations for 11 drive-ins in the
Rubyhill Group across Denver, Colo. In 2000, Simonds started her
career at SONIC as a cook and has grown to become a strong leader
with a proven track record of developing talent while growing sales
and profits.
Newcomer Award: Cinos, LLC
The Newcomer Award was presented to Cinos, LLC located on Long
Island, N.Y. Cinos, LLC owns and operates three SONIC Drive-Ins in
the state of New York. This award is given to an individual or
franchise group new to the SONIC brand who delivers the SONIC
promise to guests every day while achieving strong sales and
profits.
Mason Development Award: Mason, Harrison, Ratliff, LLC
(MHR)
The Mason Development Award was presented to MHR, a SONIC
franchise group led by partners Ralph Mason, Chuck Harrison and
Reeder Ratliff, who own and operate 288 drive-ins across 13 states
with their partners. MHR has made outstanding contributions to the
development of new drive-ins as we remodeled, rebuilt and relocated
existing drive-ins. Based in Oklahoma City, Okla., and founded in
1974, MHR is one of SONIC’s largest franchise groups and credits
its longtime success to their partners and operators, some of whom
have been with the group for more than 30 years.
About SONIC®, America's
Drive-In®
SONIC, America's Drive-In is the nation's largest drive-in
restaurant chain serving approximately 3 million customers every
day. Nearly 94 percent of SONIC's 3,500 drive-in locations are
owned and operated by local business men and women. For 64 years,
SONIC has delighted guests with signature menu items, 1.3 million
drink combinations and friendly service by iconic Carhops. Since
the 2009 launch of SONIC's Limeades for Learning philanthropic
campaign in partnership with DonorsChoose.org, SONIC has donated
$8.5 million to public school teachers nationwide to fund essential
learning materials and innovative teaching resources to inspire
creativity and learning in today's youth. To learn more about Sonic
Corp. (NASDAQ/NM: SONC), please visit sonicdrivein.com and please
visit or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. To learn more about
SONIC's Limeades for Learning initiative, please visit
LimeadesforLearning.com.
SONC-G
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version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171006005648/en/
for SONIC Drive-InRebeka Mora,
512-542-2804rebeka.mora@cohnwolfe.com
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