The Sonic Drive In of Watonga, has been chosen as Watonga Main Street’s business of the month for June 2008. Mike Harris, operating partner in the Sonic, has been with the Sonic Corporation for approximately six years. He started with Sonic in Oklahoma City, worked his way through the ranks to become assistant manager and then manager of the Oklahoma City store. He came to Watonga to take over operation of the local sonic in 2006. He is a native of Hobart Oklahoma and enjoys the friendliness and quality of life that a small town offers.

Mike says that what sets Sonic apart from some of the other fast food franchises is fast friendly service, and cooked to order food. Mike says his goal would be to see continued growth in the store, which did around one million dollars in sales last year. He stated that he and his crew are continually working hard to upgrade the quality of food and service. He says the labor pool is not extensive here in Watonga, but he has been fortunate in being able to hire some great people to assist in running the store. He continues to try to hire quality people.

Mike says cleanliness and the appearance of the store are both priorities with him, and with the Sonic Corporation. If you have been to the Sonic lately you can readily see the difference. Mike and the Sonic Corporation are both community minded and very supportive of our local events. When I asked Mike if anything interesting or surprising had happened, since he had been managing the store. He said yes, he was amazed at the number of people who visited Watonga during the Cheese Festival and how much business the store did, during that two day run.

Mike and Melisa have a son named Shaylon and are expecting another child soon. They both love Watonga and plan to make Watonga their home. We feel that Mike is doing a great job. The Sonic Drive In is a definite asset to our town and is very deserving of the honor of being chosen as Watonga’s business of the month.