Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians Expands Sovereign Enterprises with The Coarsegold SONIC that will add new local jobs and bring additional economic growth opportunities for the Community
Oakhurst, CA— The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians announced the grand opening of the new SONIC® Drive-In at the Chukchansi Crossing Fuel Station & Travel Center—a state-of-the-art development that serves more than 750,000 visitors annually. The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians (PRCI) locally owns the Coarsegold SONIC, which brings a one-of-a-kind dining experience to the community and provides the highest level of service featuring a drive-thru and comfortable indoor dining.
With the new SONIC, PRCI is creating 55 new jobs for the local community – with about 90% of employees coming from Madera County – and is expected to contribute significant revenue annually to the local economy.
“Our new collaboration with SONIC is part of our master plan to diversify our sovereign enterprises, while creating employment opportunities for tribal members and the local community,” said Claudia Gonzales, Chairwoman of the Chukchansi Tribe.
Over the last several years, the Chukchansi Tribe has steadily expanded its economic development initiatives in the region. In addition to the new SONIC, the Tribe also owns and operates the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, Chukchansi Crossing Fuel Station & Travel Center, Chukchansi Insurance and Willow Glen Smoke Shop. The Tribe has acquired several parcels of real estate near its headquarters in Oakhurst with plans to start new businesses in the near future.
“I want to thank the Chukchansi Tribe and its Council for prioritizing economic development in our region,” said Senator Andreas Borgeas. “New job opportunities will help strengthen our local economy as we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic.”
“The Chukchansi Tribe’s commitment to their increasing economic development initiatives and job creation in the region is truly commendable,” said Assemblymember Frank Bigelow. “I’d like to thank the Tribe and its Council for supporting our region’s economic growth through their many enterprises.”
With hundreds of thousands of drink combinations including Limeades, Frozen Drinks, Lemonades, Iced Teas and more, SONIC’s expansive, award-winning menu offers made-to-order and customizable breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack options to delight the whole family.
“Whether guests are stopping by for a quick bite to eat or for a leisurely meal from the comfort of their car, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy SONIC’s highest level of service and a unique dining experience,” said Gonzales.
The Coarsegold SONIC will be open seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Guests can place an order online or through the SONIC App* for contactless ordering and payment.
*See menu and app for details. For a limited time only at participating SONIC® Drive-Ins.
About the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians:
The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians is a federally recognized Indian tribe based in Oakhurst, California. The Tribe owns and operates several businesses through Chukchansi Sovereign Enterprises, a federally chartered Section 17 economic development corporation, including the Chukchansi Crossing Fuel Station & Travel Center, Chukchansi Insurance, Inc., and Willow Glen Smoke Shop. The Tribe also owns and operates the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, in Coarsegold.
About SONIC® Drive-In:
SONIC, founded in 1953, is the largest drive-in restaurant brand in the United States with more than 3,500 restaurants in 46 states. Served by SONIC’s iconic Carhops, the restaurant’s expansive, award-winning menu offers unique, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack and drink options for the whole family. SONIC is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants. For more information, visit SonicDriveIn.com and InspireBrands.com.
