Do you ever see commercials for businesses that don't exist in your neck of the woods? For the longest time, we'd see commercials for Sonic but had never seen one before in our lives. A little search on their website told us that the closest one was about 7 hours away. Totally not fair. Wave your cherry slushes and chili-frito dogs in our faces but don't throw us a franchised bone? Meh to that. So waited. And one day, about 5 years ago, news arrived that a Sonic appeared about an hour away, out in the middle of nowhere. Well we had suffered long enough so we packed up one Saturday morning and took off on the open road, a little road trip if you will.
and we arrived. 
We pulled into the drive-in spot and I had twinkles in my eyes as I perused the menu. It was all they promised it to be.
Cherry slushes and tots and burgs and dogs. Deep fried goodness.
We stuffed ourselves silly for we knew not when we'd have another chance to eat there. We assumed it was only a matter of time before a Sonic creeped closer to the Philadelphia area. I'm glad we didn't hold our breath because, in five years, it still hasn't shown up. But I also haven't seen any commercials lately. C'mon Sonic, Philadelphians love crap food, what with our cheesesteaks and soft pretzels. How bout you give us more of it? Kthx.
I chose to reminisce bout this particular Saturday of years past mostly because I'm joining Emily in giving up fried foods for Lent. I actually thought, oh this won't be too bad now that I cook almost every meal and never deep-fry anything. Then I remembered the hot, crispy fresh tortilla chips that our favorite Mexican joint shovels in my face when I sit down. It is physically impossible for me to say no. It's also impossible for me to not eat Mexican for any stretch of time. I'm in a bit of a quandry, doncha think?
Happy weekending guys! I'll be knee-deep in salsa if you need me.
21 comments:
omg sonic. i love the tots. many a night of my youth was spent in a parking space there, eating ice cream or a slushy or both. usually with onion rings.
i'm very sad for you that you don't have any near you. that's really a national tragedy. but, for your lent, probably for the best. come visit GA sometime - we have fried goodness at every turn!!!
and indeed, bagpipes of despair are playing right.now.
secondly, my advertising brain cringes at the fact that you saw commercials and were mislead! that's what spot markets are for! although, it's sometimes cheaper to go national with ads, at the expense of annoying some tot-lovers.
I actually once called Sonic and complained that they make me watch their delicious commercials, but there are NO Sonics anywhere near Buffalo, NY. They apologized and sent me a Sonic t-shirt. I wanted food, dammit!
I totally agree. I would get SO angry at those darn Sonic commercials! I visited a friend in Georgia years ago, and a trip to Sonic was just about as high up on my list of places as Paula Deen's! Then, wonders of wonders, a Sonic opened up on Street Road in Bensalem a couple of years ago, and I have been to it once. I think the fascination wore off once I started passing it 5 times a day!
There is a Sonic on Street Road in Bensalem. The ONLY time I have ever been there was after a wedding, I was so hammered I needed food. I think I ordered a hamburger. I don't even remember.
Sonic FAIL.
LB
On your next trip up, please make the Vegetarian's wife aware. She will be your third wheel. Kthx. :)
I resented Sonic for a long time for the very same reason that this post was based on.
Then I ate their jalapeno poppers on the way to a NYE party and that was the end of that.
I completely understand you here! lol. We were the same way up until a few years ago - I wanted a Sonic sooooo bad. Then they finally put one in about 5 minutes away. We love it! It is a bit addicting at times. lol. ;) My fav? Banana Cream Pie Shake!!!!! AAH!!!!
Loooove Sonic! We recently got one about 45 minutes away, which by some awesome coincidence is also where our closest Target is. (yeah...45 minutes to the nearest Target...not.cool.) Sure makes for a fun road trip though. :)
You can do it!
Although they're not quiet as good, carrot chips are a decent stand-in AND go purrrrrfectly with buff-chick-dip.
I gave up fried food for Lent last year and plan to do it again this year. It was rough but if I can do it, you can do it!
I've never been to a Sonic either! We have one in the entire state of Mass. How can they be allowed to show commercials if we can't partake??
I swear, PA has the weirdest spots for Sonic. My sister has one close to her, in Lebanon (near Hershey.) My parents have one close to them, in Chambersburg (closer to the MD border.) Trust me, there's nothing that special about those areas, either! Haha, I'm probably just bitter because my town doesn't even have a Wal-Mart.
Sonic is the best. Don't hate me, but there's one approximately 8 minutes down the road from my house. I love their ice (crushed), sweet tea, grilled cheese, and tots. Amazing.
I wanted a Sonic soooOOooo bad. Then they opened one...then two...then four...and now they're closing them all down!
And I never took advantage like I should have. :(
Mano Mano do I love the idea of flashback friday. Plus I must love using the word Mano.
The folks over at rehab let me out for a bit (good behavior) so I wanted to drop in & say hi! Also, Charlie Sheen & LiLo say hollla.
I had to cut myself off from Sonic b/c I was there ALL THE TIME at one point. It was a little rough (my withdrawal consisted of the Sonic shakes). How's that for another rehab reference?! Anyway, love their commercials.
Also, I'm trying to develop a dessert where I can incorporate chips & salsa succcesfully.....will let you know how that goes.
We have major issues with those franchise commercials here in rural Maine...we have nothing here!! Was that Sonic near Lancaster? I remember there being a Sonic in Mt. Joy, PA when I was in college...and it was in the middle of nowhere!!
Wha??? No Sonic in Philly?? That's crazy! We must have at least 10 of them here in Wichita (not trying to rub it in or anything), but I think we also have more restaurants per capita than any other city, which is just ridiculous.
Anyway, I am truly sorry and I hope that someday soon you get a Sonic nearby. Especially so you can enjoy happy hour!!
Also, you reminded me that I still need to figure out what I'm giving up for Lent. Eeek!
I know you have OC, NJ has your banner on your blog. There is a sonic right over the 9th street bridge (about a mile or so away). THey may only have summer/spring hours but, that is semi close from PA. My parents live in OC and both of them love Sonic. SInce I've been in VA for 10 years it is one of their fav's to stop at!
There IS a Sonic in Philly, in the Port Richmond/Bridesburg section!
2201 EAST BUTLER STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19137
Enjoy!
If only fried food tasted like vegetables then we would all be skinny like a Victoria's Secret model right? Ugh Sonic so good! We have one here and yet we rarely go but I love that they serve TOTS instead of fries. Fries are so over done.
Zomg if you ever go back ... get a "blizzard" like treat w/ extra candy bar it's amazeballs!
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