For Gainesville residents who missed out on the fun of drive-in dining for the past three years, it’s time to rejoice.
Sonic Drive-In, 2162 NW 39th Ave., reopened Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. after closing in 2008. The store will continue limited hours, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., through the weekend before starting its regular business hours from 6 a.m. to midnight on Monday, according to George Didericks, partnering manager.
Didericks said the limited hours help the staff members work out the basic operating procedures for the restaurant and help them run more efficiently when they begin normal hours.
Although the website is still under construction, Didericks said the site should be running by the time the store celebrates its official grand opening on April 16.
Eric Convenido, a second year UF student, said he was really excited about the store reopening.
“I used to go to Sonic after every drum lesson in Orlando,” he said. “I was pretty upset when I got up here and they were closed.”
Adam Carswell, a shift manager at Sonic, said in an email the location will feature a happy hour every day from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., which has been popular at other Sonic Drive-Ins.
He said the Sonic at 1910 N. Main St. isn’t ready for reopening yet but should be opening up soon.
