Coarsegold – OCT. 15, 2020 – The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians are celebrating the groundbreaking for its new Sonic® franchise restaurant at the Chukchansi Crossing Fuel Station & Travel Center.
The Tribe’s economic development corporation, Chukchansi Sovereign Enterprises, entered into a franchise agreement with Sonic® in May 2020. The new restaurant will feature 1,700 sq. ft. of indoor dining with seating for up to 40 customers, and a dedicated drive-thru lane at the Chukchansi Crossing Fuel Station & Travel Center. The new restaurant is projected to add 35 jobs to the local economy.
“We’re excited to partner with Sonic on this new economic development for our Tribe,” said Tribal Council Chairwoman Claudia Gonzales. “This new business is part our overall strategy to diversify our tribal economy, while creating employment opportunities for tribal members and the local community.”
The restaurant will offer distinctive Sonic® menu items including Sonic’s famous Tots, Toaster Sandwiches on Texas Toast, Chili Cheese Coneys, and premium desserts made with Sonic’s Real Ice Cream.
About Sonic®
Sonic, founded in 1953, is the largest drive-in restaurant brand in the United States with more than 3,500 restaurants in 46 states. 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.
About Picayune Rancheria of 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. Since opening in 2003, Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino has been voted No. 1 for 13 years as Best Casino by People’s Choice Awards, seeing over 130,000 monthly guests and employs over 1,200 individuals—disbursing roughly $50 million in payroll and benefits into the local economy every year.
