Sonic Drive-In is a fast food institution knows for its sweet drinks, cool treats, and classic American fare. The Sonic Drive-In in Canton, about an hour or so outside of Dallas, also features three publically-accessible pickleball courts.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple years, you’re aware that the casual sport of pickleball has swept the nation. As of 2023, there were over 10,000 pickleball courts in the United States. You can find three of them at Sonic Drive-In in Canton, Texas.
Opened last summer, the Sonic Drive-In in Canton is the first of the fast food franchise to incorporate pickleball to its facilities.
Located at 177 W State Hwy 243, the Sonic Drive-In features three permanent courts, nets, and lights for play – with reservation. Visitors can make reservations through the CourtReserve app.
The venue also features a covered area with seating and a playground for the kiddos.
“We are so excited to have this upgrade in our community. Help us congratulate them on their opening day by stopping by and grabbing some snacks and a drink,” said the Canton EDC.
The concept of combining a restaurant with activities, attractions, and experiences isn’t exactly a new one. The new buzz word for it is ‘eatertainment‘ — one that we’ve seen in quite a few press releases. But outside of a playground at a local McDonald’s let’s say, combining an activity with a popular fast food outpost is far less common.
Sonic’s decision to open a pickleball facility at its Canton location is an innovative brand activation maneuver that has potential to pave the way more of these experiences at fast food facilities. That said, the Texas Sonic Drive-In pickleball facility is the only in the country.